Easiest action you’ll get this week! Copy and paste a letter to your STATE legislators, asking them to join their Texas colleagues in Washington DC!
The Declaration for American Democracy is planning a solid week of advocacy on democracy in D.C. next week from Aug. 2 to Aug. 6. (Video below from DFAD – click if “black”.)
They want to get state legislators from as many states as possible to come to D.C. on Aug 3 to follow in the footsteps of the Texas legislature (minus the fear of arrest… ) to speakup about the effect that the suppressive laws would have on democracy in their states. And CA wasn’t free of voter suppression bills – two of them showed up on the Brennan Center’s State Voting Bills Tracker.
They need us to help to get the word out! We’ve printed out a 2000 character version of their letter below to fit in Sen. Limón and Asm. Bennett’s email comment sections. If your legislators have no limits, use their original version here (email template for state legislators) Share with your friends and family! Let’s get leaders from all over America to stand on the Capitol steps and demand better from the GOP.
Action #1: Just copy, edit the [name parts] and email to your state legislators.
Dear [Senator Limón/Assemblymember Bennett]:
The Declaration for American Democracy, a coalition of over 230 organizations and our partner organizations are planning an advocacy week of events in Washington, D.C., beginning on August 2nd to urge the U.S. Senate not to go home for recess without passing S.1 – The For the People Act. This must be signed before the end of summer to be implemented in time for the 2022 midterm elections, undo anti-voter laws passed around the country and prevent partisan maps from disenfranchising voters – especially voters of color.
Almost 400 anti-voting bills have been introduced, & at least 30 which have been enacted. Pro-democracy state legislators have been on the forefront of protecting our right to vote, and we thank you for your commitment to democracy.
The event series will include a high-profile rally at the U.S. Capitol on August 3 from 12-2:00pm , lobbying meetings for state legislators with U.S. senators, as well as educational and informational events. It is critical at this moment that your voices are heard by Congress and the public and we would like to know if you would be able to join us for this rally in Washington, D.C., on August 3rd?
We are also seeking signatories to a letter demanding the Senate delay recess until the For the People Act is passed and to not let the filibuster stand in the way. We will feature this letter as a part of our #RecessCanWait week of action, & if we receive over 500 signatures, we’ll feature them in a full page ad. Sign on here: https://act.americanprogressaction.org/page/30413/petition/1
If you are able to commit to joining us in DC for at least part of our Week of Action or sign on to the open letter to Congress, please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8v2KQgzG8-D4LujFnPqeofsO14yoAjXWC97m_tvrOrCnOxA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Thank you again for the work that you do protecting our right to vote and championing democracy!
Your name
Even a few from a number of states would show that this is a 50 state crisis not merely the work of a few bad actors. The goal is to get legislators to fill out a state legislator commitment form. Even if they can’t come to D.C speaking up at all on Aug. 3 could have a big impact if enough of them do it.This is an opportunity to give voice to state legislators we have good relationships with and know what the stakes are.
Action #2: EXTRA CREDIT! Follow up with a phone call!
Minimal script: I’m calling from [zip code] and I just emailed the [senator/assemblymember] a request to join the Texas state legislators in Washington DC on August 3 from 12-2:00pm in support of S.1 – For the People Act and the removal of the filibuster to pass it. Whether [Senator ___/Assemblymember ___] can attend or not, my email also includes links to a full page ad and a sign-on form for an open letter to Congress expressing their support for this bill. I’m looking forward to seeing their name on both as our democracy is at risk right now. Thank you.
Contacts:
- State Senator Monique Limón (SD-19): email, SAC (916) 651-4019, SB (805) 965-0862, OX (805)988-1940
- State Assemblymember Steve Bennett (CA-37): email SAC (916) 319-2037, SB (805) 564-1649, VTA (805) 641-3700 email
- State AssemblymemberJacqui Irwin (CA-44): email, SAC (916) 319-2044 CAM (805) 482-1904
- Not your people? Not sure who they are? No worries! : findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.
INDIVISIBLE VENTURA 