Wyden Leads Resolution to Make September National Voting Rights Month
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today introduced a resolution with Congressman Marc Veasey, D-Texas, to designate September as “National Voting Rights Month.” The resolution will encourage voter registration in the month of September, and push for the security of our electoral system and stronger protections to ensure people in Oregon and across the nation can safely vote amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
"The principle that every American has the right to choose our leaders by voting in free and fair elections should not be a partisan proposition,” Wyden said. “But far too often, Black Americans, and women and people of color have their Constitutional right to vote stolen by absurd disenfranchisement schemes. Today, with the future of our country in the balance and misinformation about voting spewing from the Oval Office itself, it is even more important to recognize the importance of voting rights. I’m proud to once again partner with Congressman Veasey to mark how voting rights are at the core of our democracy.”
The resolution would also put pressure on Congress to pass key voting rights legislation, including H.R.1, the For the People Act, S.4263, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, S.4527, the Delivering for America Act, and other bills. It also commemorates the life and legacy of John R. Lewis, and his commitment to voting rights in America; and the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. Additionally, the Resolution encourages public schools and universities to develop curriculums to educate students on voter suppression laws, and the importance of voter engagement.
This resolution has been endorsed by a number of voting rights and civil rights organizations, including the National Organization for Women, Fair Fight Action, Voter Protection Corps, Demos and the National Black Justice Coalition.
A copy of the resolution is available here.
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