Jewish advocacy for voting rights

Beginning today, Reform Jews across the United States will meet virtually with their U.S. Senators to advocate in support of the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as part of the Reform Movement’s Racial Justice Campaign. 

According to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC):

Despite the ongoing pandemic and a patchwork of barriers to the ballot box across the country, more than 159 million Americans voted in the 2020 elections, the highest rates seen in over a century. However, some state elected officials want to roll back this progress by creating more barriers to vote. That is why we need federal legislation to protect the freedom to vote.

Noting that the right to vote is fundamental in a democracy, the RAC urges people to ensure that elections are accessible for all. "The For the People Act (H.R.1/S.1) is a broad bill, that among its provisions, will protect the freedom to vote by establishing national standards for federal elections and ensuring that voter registration and voting options are equally accessible across the United States."

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will "Restore and strengthen our freedom to vote by making sure that any changes to voting rules that could discriminate against voters based on race, ethnicity, or language minority status are federally reviewed, so that everyone has an equal say in the future of the United States."

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