As a democracy and voting rights organization, we must be part of the progress that is catalyzed at this moment. In the coming weeks and months, we will be supporting our partners in the civil rights community who are working on legislation and policy reforms focused on creating systemic change in our government institutions, starting with unjust policing. We have been invited to do this work, but we must remember that we come to the table as allies. We will listen to civil rights leaders spearheading this effort, and we will use our power, our talents, and our collective voices to support and amplify their work.

Now, more than ever, it’s clear that our work to inform voters and hold government accountable on the local and state level is where real potential for change lies. As we saw yesterday, throughout the month of June states are still holding important primaries, delayed due to COVID-19. Voters need to know where candidates stand on the issues, how their votes will directly impact their communities in the immediate and the long term. We must also remain dedicated to our advocacy work that is focused on dismantling racism within our electoral system: People Powered Fair Maps, voting rights restoration for formerly incarcerated people, combating unfair voter purging, and fighting voter ID laws and polling place closures.

We have embarked on this journey, and we will not and cannot turn back.