Cárdenas Votes to Protect the Right to Vote for All Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) voted to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act to protect American democracy and ensure that every voter has access to the ballot box.
“America was founded on the promise that as citizens, every single one of us, has a say in our democracy,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “Yet today, empowered by the Big Lie, states across the country continuously undermine that promise by enacting deliberately restrictive, anti-voter laws. The truth is: it should not matter who your parents are, the color of your skin or where you live. If you are an American citizen, you deserve to vote without fear, intimidation and discrimination. Period. Heroes like John Lewis fought and bled for those basic ideas, and reminded us that the right to vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool to keep democracy alive. Today, we carry out his legacy by honoring our nation's sacred promise to ensure every American has equal access to the ballot box.”
The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act is a comprehensive package of reforms that will safeguard democracy by protecting the right to vote, ending the dominance of big money in politics and preventing partisan gerrymandering. It includes:
- Expanding automatic voter registration and same-day registration;
- Strengthening vote by mail, early voting and ballot access;
- Establishing Election Day as a national holiday;
- Stopping partisan election subversion.
- Protecting elections from foreign interference;
- Ending partisan gerrymandering;
- Promoting digital ad transparency;
- Forcing disclosure of dark money; and
- Establishing a self-sustaining democracy fund to support investments in state-led innovations around campaign finance, civic education and voting infrastructure.
The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act passed the House by a vote of 220-203. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
“I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do whatever it takes – including changing their rules – in order to get this over the finish line,” continued Congressman Cárdenas.
For more information about the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, click here.
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