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Press release/statement

Dēmos President: 'Our need for the Freedom to Vote Act is urgent.'

"The Freedom to Vote Act — the most significant voting rights bill in generations — would be a giant step toward our goal of creating a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy."

NEW YORK, NY — Dēmos President Taifa Smith Butler issued the following statement Wednesday after the Senate minority voted to block debate on the Freedom to Vote Act:

“The Freedom to Vote Act — the most significant voting rights bill in generations — would be a giant step toward our goal of creating a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy. Provisions in the bill, likesame-day registrationandsmall donor public financing, are critical for advancing racial equity in our elections. In the face of dozens of racist voter suppression bills passed after Black and brown people exercised their political power in 2020, our need for the Freedom to Vote Act is urgent. 

“Conservatives’ determination to block mere debate on this bill is telling. With their weapon of choice — the Jim Crow filibuster —they continue to decimate our democracy via discriminatory anti-voter laws and partisan gerrymandering. Today’s Senate majority — fueled by people power — can make this wildly popular, crucial bill a reality. 

“To be an inclusive, multiracial democracy, we must knock down all barriers aimed at diminishing the power of Black and brown communities in our elections. By protecting voting rights, ensuring fair representation, and limiting the influence of big money in our politics, the Freedom to Vote Act will make our government accountable toallthe people. 

“The Senate and the White House must do whatever it takes to pass this bill and defend our democracy. Failure is not an option.” 

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Dēmos is a think tank that powers the movement for a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy. Through cutting-edge policy research, inspiring litigation, and deep relationships with grassroots organizations, Dēmos champions solutions that will create a democracy and economy rooted in racial equity