Within the next week, citizens
in every state will come together to cast their votes for President, Congress,
and other state and local offices. The right to cast those votes – to elect
leaders who represent us – is at the heart of our democratic system. But this
year, that right is in danger.
Our system of fair and free
elections is under attack on multiple fronts. The Supreme Court’s decision in
Citizens United opened the floodgates for special interest money and corporate
influence in politics. At the same time, a rash of voter suppression laws in
more than 30 states has threatened to make voting difficult, if not impossible,
for millions of Americans.
Throughout the history of our
nation, powerful politicians and interest groups have tried to block eligible
voters from casting a ballot. For much of the twentieth century, they used
literacy tests or demanded poll taxes. Today they ask for photo voter ID, or create
restrictive voter registration schemes. These laws, combined with the challenge
posed by limitless corporate influence, strike at the very core of our
democracy.
Our nation’s history has been a
journey towards true equality and the promise of a government of, by and for
the people. Just as we have overcome many obstacles to achieve that promise, we
are now committed to standing up against the pervasive, corrupting influence of
an electoral system that auctions offices to the highest bidder and suppresses
the vote of millions of Americans.
No matter what happens on
November 6th, these threats must be addressed on November 7th and beyond.
Together with our allies across the political spectrum, we pledge to fight for
the rights of all voters in our nation and to move that much closer to creating
a more perfect union. The future of our democracy depends on it.
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