Off Year? Elections Are As Important As They Ever Have Been!  We have unusually challenging issues right now.  And, partisan margins at many levels of government are so narrow, with major legislation needing passage, that we have to focus on every possible vulnerable seat in the US Congress, as well as MA governorship.   We plan to continue as we did in 2020, partnering with organizations in key states early and adding campaigns as they get going.   Efforts to elect Democrats are probably the best we can do to help with all our issues!

 

Voter Rights - H1/S1 or John Lewis?  We should not be surprised that the Pandemic-driven expansion of voting options with the resulting record high voter turnout were just for 2020 in many states. Now the Pandemic provisions are being trimmed, and new voting restrictions are being added.   Soon, redistricting in the states dominated by the GOP will put Democrats at another disadvantage.  Again, we seek partners engaged in activities like registering voters and getting out the vote in key states and supporting legislation in Congress to implement minimal requirements in state voting rules. 

 

Be aware that there are two+ legislative approaches:  H1/S1 (aka For the People Act) has sweeping provisions with respect campaign finance, gerrymandering and most other issues you might think of.  The John Lewis Voting Rights Act (S.4263) concentrates on access to the ballot.  Senator Manchin has torpedoed S1, but has worked with Republicans on a compromise bill. The Brennen Center for Justice outlines the state of play in the states - not all bad, but also very alarming trends like intimidating voters at polls and making it easier for state legislatures to override voters' voices.   The House has passed a John Lewis bill and Senators Manchin and Murkowsi both support it - but with some changes.