We Must Act, To Defend Our Freedom To Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2022

Contact: Pablo DeJesus | info@uusj.org

On the Heels Of The House Passing Voting Rights Legislation, UUSJ Calls For The Senate To Defend Our Freedom To Vote

Urges Senators Move to Protect the Freedom to Vote and Fair Elections

Washington D.C. - Yesterday, January 13, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Act by a vote of 220 to 203. The action allows the bill to be delivered to the Senate chamber and for debate, to begin, with a simple majority of Members present, rather than the 60-vote threshold imposed by current Senate rules.

Pablo DeJesus, Executive Director of Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice:

“This is about the freedom to vote and fair elections. We are at a pivotal moment in our nation's history.

"The freedom to vote is the wellspring of our democracy and political social compact. From it flows every other liberty Americans cherish, expression of freedom we value, and conviction that political differences should be resolved fairly and without violence. The Senate majority must pass the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Act. Must meet the moment in history securing a legacy grounded in its moral duty. 

"In our faith tradition, our principles express a love that demands an inclusive democracy where every American can safely and freely vote. That love acknowledges we all deserve an equal voice in choosing our leaders – no matter our race, ethnicity, religion, ZIP code, or tax bracket. Yet,19 states have directly attacked our freedom to vote, our liberty, and the dignity of our neighbors. They have passed legislation that deliberately targets Black, Brown, Asian and Native voters. As well as poor and low-income folks, as well as LGBTQ folks. These state bills speak to the worst tradition in our history of surgical disenfranchisement -- organized and structural oppression and repression. 

"Each Senator swore an oath to defend the constitution and has a moral obligation to serve their constituents. In defense of our freedom to vote and fair elections, our federal elected officials must act swiftly. Senators must side with love, side with the people and pass the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Act now.

No Celebration Without Legislation

Dr. King’s family – along with faith leaders, civil rights leaders, and voting rights advocates across the country – have called on us to demand passage of voting rights legislation and access to the ballot box this year on Martin Luther King day.

No matter where you live, you too can heed the call by hosting or attending an MLK Day event on January 17th where together, we will demand our elected officials pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

D.C. Peace Walk, by Deliver for Voting Rights
January 17, 2022
9:00-11:00amET
Location: 1st SE & Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 
Details: https://deliverforvotingrights.com/
Deliver for Voting Rights is calling on President Biden and Congress to end the filibuster and deliver on voting rights now. This year for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, members of the King family along with faith and civil rights leaders, and voting rights advocates will join together to demand voting rights legislation now.

A: Call: 1-833-345-2551 – Ask your Senators to do whatever it takes to pass the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (S. 4). You might say:

“Hi, I’m [full name] from [state], [city].  Please know, as a person of faith, a Unitarian Universalist, I am called to respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and to act for the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process. 

I ask that you use every possible tool, including reform of Senate rules, to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. If the Senate fails to protect democracy, it is a failure to uphold its most basic duty to serve its constituents. 

Thank you very much for taking my call. Can I count on Senator [last name] to do all in his/her power to protect every American’s right to vote by ensuring the passage of these two bills?

B: Call: 1-833-345-2554 – Ask President Biden to do whatever it takes to pass the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (S. 4). You might say:

“Hi, I’m [full name] from [state], [city].  Please know, as a person of faith, a Unitarian Universalist, I am called to respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and to act for the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process. 

Thank you for your strong statement in support of the freedom to vote and fair elections, and the clear call to change the filibuster in order to pass democracy legislation.

I ask that you pursue every possible means, in negotiations with Congress, including reform of Senate rules, to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. If Congress fails to protect democracy, it is a failure to uphold its most basic duty to serve its constituents. The Executive Branch must lead in this matter.

Thank you very much for taking my call. I am counting on you to help represent me before Congress, and do all in your power to protect my right to vote by ensuring the passage of these two bills.

C: Show your concern, join Daily Vigils with Faith In Action: 

• Faith In Action is holding a prayer vigil each day from 12:00 - 12:15pm ET, beginning this Thursday, Jan. 13, and ending Tuesday, Jan 18 when the anticipated vote is expected, the vigil will be live-streamed on Faith in Action’s Facebook Live. You can register here for a daily reminder. They will have an exciting lineup of guest speakers across faith traditions to lead each day’s prayer.

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