From DA International Chair, Candice Kerestan, "On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Democrats Abroad seeks to go beyond simply memorializing Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and question what it truly means to uphold his legacy, both at home and abroad.
Whether you are requesting your ballot from VoteFromAbroad.org, or making phone calls to legislators like those encouraged below, we hope you join us today in active engagement with the memory and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We want to share a passage from the statement by our Global Black Caucus to mark this MLK Day. Please take the time to read the full statement, and keep reading to learn how you can take an active role in defending the right to vote, today!
Read the letter to Senators Manchin and Sinema signed by more than 400 DA leaders and volunteers!
“The past year has further exposed the inequalities in American society. From the pandemic to affordable housing, access to education, and the effects of climate change. Nowhere has the inequality gap grown more than exercising the right to vote.
While January 6, 2020, culminated with a violent act to deny our legal and constitutional right to vote, the assault has persisted. To date, 19 state legislatures have passed laws that make it harder for students, people of color, low income and physically challenged Americans to vote. And there are no less than 163 congressional candidates who believe and campaign on the ‘big lie’ that the election was stolen.
As we remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on what should have been his 93rd birthday, let us not only honor his legacy but uphold it… not fail it! As Americans of all races and creeds living abroad and stateside, our right to vote is not a forgone conclusion…”
In this vein, my colleagues and I sent a letter to Senators Manchin and Sinema earlier today, urging them to amend the Senate rules to pass the much needed Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which would significantly protect and expand access to the ballot box. Our letter, signed by over 400 Democrats Abroad leaders, is only one part of our outreach as an organization.
We are asking that you contact the offices of Senators Manchin and Sinema and ask that they change the Senate rules to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act!
Sample Message:
Hi, my name is ___, and I live in ________. I'm calling today to urge you to amend the Senate rules to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. I need you to protect the right to vote for EVERY eligible voter. We can't wait any longer for this bill!
Without the passage of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, our democracy is in serious jeopardy. Let us honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today and always, by raising our voices to protect the right to vote.
In Solidarity,
Candice Kerestan
International Chair
Democrats Abroad
http://www.democratsabroad.org/