Time Range For Action Alert:
October 13, 2021 to November 7, 2021The Freedom to Vote Act (FTVA), which was introduced in the Senate on September 14, is stalled along party lines. The League of Women Voters calls upon President Biden to use the full force of his presidency to protect our freedom to vote and get this legislation passed.
The Freedom to Vote Act is historic in scope, introducing voting rights and anti-corruption measures unlike any passed in more than five decades. It is necessary immediately, in light of the discriminatory voting laws that have been passed in at least 18 states, and the heavily partisan gerrymandered districts currently being created across the country. Our votes, our voices, our representation hang in the balance.
Among other things, the Freedom to Vote Act will:
- Set national standards for federal elections for voting by mail and early voting, and make election day a holiday.
- Increase transparency in campaign funding and limit the power of Super PACs
- Ban gerrymandering of US congressional districts, prohibiting redistricting plans that are intentionally or effectively biased toward/against one political party
- Promote election security, protecting the free and fair administration of elections
The FTVA works with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which was introduced in the Senate October 5. Together, they are crucial to protect our freedom to vote. Both are necessary. Establishing national standards will override more restrictive state laws and make it easier to legally challenge voter rights violations.
The Brennan Center for Justice breaks down the Freedom to Vote Act and the League’s Jessica Jones Capparell details the bill’s provisions.
