LWVUS Sends Letter to Congress about the Freedom to Vote Act

While the League of Women Voters is pleased to see the Freedom to Vote Act introduced again, the bill is not perfect, and we are disappointed that it is not introduced with bipartisan support. Voters deserve serious action on voting rights, and bipartisan consensus is necessary to effectively advance meaningful legislation that protects voters’ ability to participate in our democracy. The League hopes to see members of the 118th Congress work together to ensure that voting rights are championed as a bipartisan effort in this country.   

Members of the US Senate and US House
Washington, DC 20510
Sent via electronic mail

Members of Congress:

The recently re-introduced Freedom to Vote Act is a strong step toward enacting pro-voter reforms that are needed to ensure that all eligible Americans have the freedom to vote. The League of Women Voters applauds the work of members of Congress to protect the sacred right to vote and strengthen our democracy.

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) was founded in 1920, working on the front lines of voter education to assist newly enfranchised women in casting their ballots following the ratification of the 19^th Amendment. LWVUS has remained committed to our mission to empower voters and defend democracy for over a century. The League focuses on advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing with our grassroots network of more than 500,000 members and supporters across more than 750 local and state Leagues nationwide. The League is nonpartisan — neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government — and is committed to protecting every person’s freedom to vote.

While the League of Women Voters is pleased to see the Freedom to Vote Act introduced again, the bill is not perfect, and we are disappointed that it is not introduced with bipartisan support. Voters deserve serious action on voting rights, and bipartisan consensus is necessary to effectively advance meaningful legislation that protects voters’ ability to participate in our democracy. 

The history of voting rights in the United States is largely one of bipartisan cooperation. For example, each time the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) has been reauthorized, it has been with support from legislators and Presidents from both political parties. The League will continue to work with members of all parties to meet the needs of voters across the country. And we continue to implore Congress to work together to ensure fair, safe, and secure elections in our democracy.

In this Congress, both parties have introduced competing legislation that would codify their priorities on voting. But bipartisan cooperation is necessary for bills to pass this Congress. The League would like to see the introduction of bipartisan legislation that includes expanding early voting, allowing no-excuse absentee voting, implementing automatic and online voter registration, improving operations of the Election Assistance Commission, improving non-English language access in elections, and ensuring proper voter list maintenance. In our efforts for improved voter access, the League also advocates for same-day voter registration, access for disabled voters, and access for native voters. We know these pro-voter reforms support all voters’ access to the ballot regardless of political ideology.

Protecting the right to vote for all is a constant endeavor that requires our nation to assess and address any barriers for eligible voters to cast a ballot and have it counted. The League hopes to be a resource and partner to members of the 118^th Congress to ensure that voting rights are championed as a bipartisan effort in this country. If you have questions or would like to discuss further, please contact Jessica Jones Capparell, Director of Government Affairs, at [email protected], or Kristen Kern, Federal Policy and Advocacy Manager, at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Virginia Kase Solomón, CEO
League of Women Voters of the United States