Friends of the Earth Action Responds to Failure of Historic Voting Rights Legislation
WASHINGTON – Last night, the U.S. Senate failed to pass The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which would have enacted the most comprehensive democracy reform since the Civil Rights Movement. The act aimed to stop partisan gerrymandering, limit the influence of dark money, and prevent partisan politicians from sabotaging future elections.
Darlene Azarmi, Democracy Campaigner for Friends of the Earth Action, issued the following statement in response:
Today should have been a day to honor the legacy of John Lewis and all those who shed blood to protect the sacred right to vote. While we express our dismay and frustration, we cannot stand idly by as Republicans escalate their barrage of voter suppression bills that silence voters of color. Instead, we call upon President Biden and the Senate to deliver on their promise to uphold voting rights at any cost. Friends of the Earth will continue to safeguard the right to vote as the most fundamental pillar of our democracy and imperative to protecting the planet.
Communications contact: Brittany Miller, 202-222-0746, bmiller@foe.org