This year, two-thirds of state legislatures have introduced laws that undermine the right to vote.
Early voting and Sunday voting are under attack. Photo ID requirements will introduce the first financial and document barrier to voting since the poll tax. Racially-motivated bans on ex-felons will wipe tens of thousands off the rolls.
This effort is unprecedented, it is coordinated, and it is targeted. African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, students, working women, and immigrants of all colors will be disproportionately affected.
The right to vote is the heart of our democracy. Throughout our history Americans have been murdered for defending this basic human right. We will not let it be taken away from millions today.
Join us on Saturday, December 10, 2011 — United Nations’ Human Rights Day—to proclaim to America and the world:
It’s time to Stand for Freedom. We must protect our right to vote.
11 am: March from the NYC office of the Koch brothers, major funders of anti-voting rights measures.
12 noon: Rally at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, United Nations, East 47th Street & 2nd Avenue, NYC
For more information and to sign the pledge:
www.stand4freedom.org
or text STAND to 62227
*Standard message and data rates may apply
Mobilization co-chairs: Hazel Dukes, President, NAACP NYS Conference
George Gresham, President, 1199SEIU
I am not sure I understand your motivation here. Exactly how would photo ID requirements represent a “financial barrier” to voting? Because someone may not afford an ID? Every government that is begining to implement a voter ID policy has publicly stated that IDs will be available free for all those that need one.
And your comment about ex-felons voting being racially motivated? Are ex-felons allowed to vote in the first place, or are their rights removed because they are felons?
Photo ID are required all over society. Want to get a hotel room? How about opening a bank account? Oh wait, the people you are advocating for may not have bank account…then what about pawn shops? Airport? Purchasing alcohol or cigarettes? Going out to a club? Heck, some places require a photo ID for cleaning products.
None of these activities are as important as voting, and all of them require a photo ID. So really, what is the big deal? Voter fraud is rampant all over the country, and providing proof that you are eligible to vote and that you are who you say you are is a simple technique to ensure the integrity of the process.
Or, would you advocate open voting for anyone, at any time, regardless of who the people are, just to ensure that no one is “disenfranchised?”