League Urges Senate to Vote Yes on Freedom to Vote Act

In a memo to the US Senate, LWV urged Senators to support passage of the Freedom to Vote Act. Members of the LWVUS Lobby Corps will be discussing this legislation with Senators. LWV members and supporters are encouraged to contact their Senators and urge them to vote yes on this legislation.

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September 23, 2021

To:                   Members of the US Senate

From:             Virginia Kase, CEO

Re:                   The Senate must pass the Freedom to Vote Act, S2747

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) urges you to vote yes on the Freedom to Vote Act when it comes to the floor. Throughout our 100+ year history, the League of Women Voters has worked to “level the playing field” of our election system by registering new citizens to vote, fighting unfair district maps in court, and advocating in Congress for fair elections. Since the conclusion of the 2020 election, states have introduced hundreds of pieces of legislation that discriminate against large sectors of the voting population and heightens barriers to the ballot box for so many Americans.

The Freedom to Vote Act will ensure that millions of Americans, especially those who are often targeted by anti-voter laws — voters of color, voters with disabilities, formerly incarcerated voters, women voters, young voters, and elderly voters are protected and guaranteed access to the ballot by:                   

Protecting and Expanding the Right to Vote: The biggest barrier to voting is restricting the ability of voters to get registered to vote. Many of the reforms included in the Freedom to Vote Act expand opportunities for voters to both register and increase access to voting in the way that works best for them.

Eliminating the Influence of Dark Money: Americans deserve to know who is trying to influence their votes. Whether it’s a foreign entity or a big-money contributor, voters deserve to know where the money is coming from. That’s why the provisions in the Freedom to Vote Act shine a light on the influence of money in our elections.                  

Curbing partisan and racial gerrymandering: Through the League’s initiative to build People Powered Fair Maps™, state and local Leagues have engaged the public on the need for fair redistricting processes. The provisions in this bill will ensure that maps drawn in the 2021-22 cycle are fair and represent the needs of all voters.

This bill is a major step forward for American democracy. The Freedom to Vote Act will ensure that no matter which party you support or where you live, your voice and vote will be heard, counted, and protected. It is time for the Senate to do whatever it takes to get it signed into law.

We implore you to do what’s right for Americans and pass the Freedom to Vote Act. Your vote signals the end of partisan gridlock and reinforces to the country the willingness to do what is best for the country and to preserve the democracy that we all want and deserve.