Fellow American Citizens and Supporters of OneV,
As Americans and the world seek optimism and resilience amidst all the uncertainty – intractable political polarization at home, a third year of COVID-19, concerns about rising inflation and war in Eastern Europe – the need to protect our democratic institutions has never been greater.
Although we face big challenges, there’s time and opportunity to fight back the forces against free and fair elections with 9 months until the next midterm elections. By protecting American democracy, we’ll be better positioned to overcome our biggest domestic and global threats and leave a positive legacy for future generations.
The need to fight for free and fair elections in America has never been greater.
As backlash to the historic voter turnout of the 2020 elections, 19 state legislatures have rolled back access to the ballot. Between January 2021 and September 2021, at least 19 states enacted 33 laws that make it harder for Americans to vote.
The year-long effort to pass federal voting rights legislation failed in the U.S. Senate last month, after Republicans blocked an elections bill for the fifth time in six months and Democrats were unable to rewrite the Senate’s rules and pass it. The bill sought to reestablish portions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that have been struck down by the Supreme Court and a broader initiative to create new national standards for federal elections, including requirements for early voting and vote by mail.
This year’s elections will decide who runs the 2024 elections. Many candidates in state and local elections – from county clerks to secretaries of state – are focusing on the “Big Lie” – the notion that the 2020 Presidential election was stolen. Proponents of the Big Lie are raising enormous amounts of funds and hoping to be in positions to administer and certify future elections. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, across key battleground states, contributions are three times higher than they were at this point in the 2018 election cycle and eight times higher than 2014.
How are you going to fight with OneV for our American democracy?
Action Plan #1: Throughout 2022, OneV is committed to provide vital information on races for governor, secretary of state, and local election administrator positions so that you have opportunities to learn and get involved in these critical races that will decide the fairness of future elections.
Regardless of where you live, OneV will offer you opportunities to volunteer your time and/or make financial contributions in swing states that face major voting rights obstacles. Fighting against voter suppression in this election cycle will be expensive and work intensive. Fortunately, there are hundreds of dedicated activists in all these states – Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Texas, and Georgia – that need your direct or indirect support. Throughout this year, OneV will provide you with opportunities to contribute to these organizations and causes aimed at combating voter suppression in all the critical states.
Action Plan #2: OneV will motivate you to pressure your state legislators, governors, the U.S. Senate, and the Executive branch to act on critical pro-democracy policies and initiatives. Specifically, OneV plans to,
- Provide you with tools and information to pressure the U.S. Senate, including key members of this body, to pass voting rights legislation despite the persistent threat of the filibuster. During the prior administration, the Senate passed tax cuts and confirmed a Supreme Court Justice with only 51-52 votes. Voting rights legislation should be held to the same standard. Congress should pass whatever pieces of the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act it can. At the very least, Congress should help block states from politicizing election boards and protect voters against intimidation at the polls.
- Train and encourage you to continue advocating for pro-democracy Executive actions like making Election Day a federal holiday for government employees and pressuring the Justice Department to enforce the Constitution’s guarantees of equal voting rights.
Action Plan #3: Providing you with tools to help maximize turnout in the 2022 midterm elections. Voter turnout is always one of our most important goals as an organization and as a democratic nation.
What OneV needs from you right now to succeed in 2022?
To help lead this important fight, OneV needs your generous financial support:
Please donate today by texting the code onev2022 to 22525 or via the following link: OneV Donation Page. Your constant support (no matter how big or small) is one of the most impactful ways to fuel the OneV mission. When you donate, please consider signing up for a recurring monthly contribution of $5.00 ($60.00/year).
OneV is also powered by your ongoing engagement. Please add your name and email on the OneV homepage and follow us on social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Like and share our content – make your friends and family aware and have them join our cause. And of course, please provide feedback. Let us know what you’re thinking about the state of our American democracy, voting rights, the 2022 elections and OneV’s efforts to protect our fundamental rights. Email us your thoughts at info@onev.vote and/or comment on our social media posts.
We’re excited to continue this important fight with you.
Onward and Upward,
The OneV Team
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