Americans of Conscience Checklist: July 16, 2021

Voting rights are on the agenda in statehouses across the nation. In 43 states, elected officials have introduced at least 253 bills to further restrict voting rights. This Brennan Center bill tracker identifies all state bill numbers. Find yours. 

Call: Your state legislator(s) (look up).

Script: Share your town or ZIP code to identify yourself as a constituent, and state your support for any bills that expand voting rights. If your state is considering restricting voting rights, state your opposition to these restrictions. End with a thank you.

If your state isn’t considering relevant legislation, consider a donation to Spread the Vote, which helps citizens obtain IDs in states with oppressive voter laws.

Spread the Vote’s effort to assist people in obtaining IDs is crucial not just in states with voter ID laws, but everywhere that ID is required to receive medical care, including covid vaccinations. IDs save lives.

Donate: https://www.kindest.com/donate/spread-the-vote (Mention that you’re from AoCC!)

Contact: Your local school district and school board.

Script: Hi, I’m calling to inquire about what our school district is doing to encourage high school students to register to vote. Research shows that students who learn about voting in high school are more likely to participate in democracy. The Civics Center has resources for schools and students. Thank you for educating our next generation of informed voters.

As voter participation surges among college students, they also face new methods of voter suppression. Campus Vote Project and its Voter Friendly Campus initiative provide support and recognition to campuses that help students register and vote.

Donate: to Campus Vote Project here.

Call: Your two senators (look up).

Script: Hi, I’m calling from [ZIP] because I’m part of the bipartisan majority of Americans who believe that citizens who have served their full sentences should have the right to vote. The Democracy Restoration Act would establish a uniform standard for allowing those with criminal convictions to vote, and is endorsed by civil rights and criminal justice reform groups. Can I count on [NAME] to cosponsor and vote for S. 481? Thank you.

Below are some bills sitting with the Senate that we think all should keep contacting them about until they come to a vote:

• Pass the For the People Act 
• Pass the Equality Act 
• Pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act
• Pass the American Dream and Promise Act 
• Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021

Call or write: Your two senators (look up).

Script: Hi, I’m calling/writing from [ZIP] to remind [NAME] to… (read list above). Thank you.

It’s hot at the southern border. From water caches in the desert to supporting people in applying for asylum, No Más Muertes provides vital, life-saving measures for the most vulnerable people. 

Donate: https://nomoredeaths.org/donate-money/

Write: Your mayor and city council (search “mayor of CITY address”).

Script: Dear [NAME], I’m a taxpaying resident of [CITY] writing to advocate for my neighbors’ safety. Anyone in uniform with white supremacist sympathies is a danger to our community. The U.S. military is currently working to eradicate extremists like neo-Nazis, Proud Boys, and Oath Keepers from their ranks. I’d like to know how our city’s police department is working proactively to do likewise. Thank you for attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response. Name and address

Email: President Biden via whitehouse.gov or fill out this form.

Script: Hello, I’m from [ZIP] joining with over 100 organizations in asking you to establish a task force to address systemic racism against Black immigrants. Recent policies, enforcement, and rhetoric have increased anti-Black racism in U.S. immigration. In order to meaningfully address this issue, a dedicated Task Force on Black immigrants would be a key first step. Thank you.