Voting Rights Under Attack: an NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote

Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote

Table of Contents

I. Introduction II. Voting Rights Advancement Act Talking Points III. US Voting Rights History Timeline IV. Voting Rights Discussion Club V. #RestoreTheVRA Social Media Guide VI. Shelby County v. Holder Anniversary Social Media Guide VII. Voter Pledge Cards VIII. Sample Voter Information Handout

Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote

Introduction

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) has protected voting rights around the country for the past 50 years. However, perhaps the most important protection of the VRA — requiring states with a history of discriminatory voting practices to submit any proposed changes to voting laws to the Department of Justice for approval — was gutted by the US Supreme Court in its June 25, 2013 decision, Shelby County v. Holder. In response to Shelby, states and local governments have passed and implemented restrictive laws threatening access to the polls for millions of eligible voters.

Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote is designed to help NCJW sections, members, and supporters take action in the months leading up to the first presidential election in 50 years without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. This toolkit includes educational materials, ways to engage around the issue, and legislative talking points to help you lift up voting rights during this election year.

Please use this toolkit along with the NCJW Promote the Vote, Protect the Vote Resource Guide to promote and protect the vote in your community, and regularly visit https://www.ncjw.org/work/civic- engagement/ for updates, additional resources, and more.

As you develop and implement your plans, please remember that the NCJW Washington office is available to provide additional resources and technical assistance. Because of our 501(c)(3) tax- exempt status, NCJW and its sections are subject to certain restrictions on election- related activities. Contact Lindsay Morris ([email protected]) with any questions, and Faith Fried ([email protected]) to share the work that you are doing to promote and protect the vote in your community.

Together, we can ensure that every eligible voter is able to vote, and that every vote cast is counted.

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VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT (Advancement Act)

NCJW Message: The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. NCJW endorses and resolves to work for election laws, policies, and practices that ensure easy and equitable access and eliminate obstacles to the electoral process so that every vote counts and can be verified. For decades, NCJW advocates have fought for the expansion of voting rights, advocating for women’s suffrage and the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). Although Congress reauthorized the Voting Rights Act in 2006 with overwhelming bipartisan support, the 2013 US Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder gutted a key provision of the law. Lawmakers should support The Voting Rights Advancement Act (Advancement Act, S 1419/ HR 2978), introduced on June 21, 2017, to respond to Shelby and modernize federal voter protections.

TALKING POINTS:

The Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), putting voting rights across the country further at risk. Race, gender, and other immutable characteristics have historically been used to deprive countless Americans of the right to vote. The VRA sought to prevent such discrimination by prohibiting states from making any voting changes without federal review, to ensure that any such change would not have a discriminatory impact, and from denying the right of any citizen to vote on account of race or color. However, because of the Shelby decision, the federal government no longer has the chance to review changes to voting laws to check for such discriminatory practices. In the absence of federal oversight, states and counties are passing laws that make registering and voting more burdensome and create barriers to low-income voters and voters of color.

The damage to voter protections stemming from the Shelby decision requires a legislative fix, and soon. The US Supreme Court stripped the VRA of its formula for applying federal oversight of changes to voting laws, arguing that it was outdated. Without federal oversight of proposed changes to voting laws, several states and jurisdictions immediately introduced and passed restrictive voting laws, including ID requirements that were previously prohibited by the federal government because of their discriminatory impact. 2016 was the first presidential election in 50 years without the full protections of the VRA, and as the 2018 midterm elections approaches, it is critical to secure voting rights.

The Advancement Act would restore the VRA and protect voters across the country. The Advancement Act responds to the unique, modern-day challenges of voting discrimination that have evolved in the 50 years since the VRA first passed. It recognizes that changing demographics require tools that protect voters nationwide — especially voters of color, voters who rely on languages other than English, and voters with disabilities.

The Advancement Act would provide new tools to combat voting discrimination before it occurs. The Advancement Act replaces and updates the coverage formula in the VRA to focus on the last 25 years. This means that those states and jurisdictions found to have a pattern of voting violations in the past 25 years would be required to submit voting changes to the federal government for review for the subsequent ten years. Because the new formula would update itself every year, only recent infractions of voting rights would bring about federal oversight. The Advancement Act would also promote transparency in changes to voting laws, give the Department of Justice broader authority to assign federal election observers, and mandate additional bilingual voting materials.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Voting Rights Advancement Act

What is the Voting Rights Act? The Voting in those states. Rather than protect, voter ID laws Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) was enacted to ensure disenfranchise. that no federal, state, or local government may in any way impede individuals from registering to vote How do restrictive voting laws impact or voting because of their race or ethnicity. women? Women, as well as seniors, students, low income individuals, people of color, and other Why do we need voter protection laws? The marginalized communities are particularly affected VRA helped prevent states and jurisdictions from by restrictive voter laws, such as limits on early enacting disenfranchising laws and policies. Between voting and burdensome ID requirements. Women 1982 and 2006, the Department of Justice blocked are statistically more likely to vote than men, but over 700 voting changes because they would have are also more likely to undergo changes to their prohibited voters of color from participating in the legal name through marriage and divorce, be poor, political process or limited their electoral impact. and live longer as senior citizens — all of which put women at greater risk of being disenfranchised. What was the decision in Shelby County v. Holder? Section 5 of the VRA requires states and What would the Advancement Act do? The jurisdictions with an established history of laws Advancement Act would modernize the resulting in the disenfranchisement of voters of preclearance formula struck in section 4(b) of the color to obtain advance approval, or preclearance, VTA. The new formula would automatically update from the US Department of Justice or the US every year to cover states with a pattern of voter District Court before they can make any changes to discrimination. voting practices or procedures. In Shelby, the US Supreme Court decided that Section 4(b) of the How else will the Advancement Act protect VRA, which establishes the formula used to voting rights? The Advancement Act would determine which states and jurisdictions must apply expand the federal observer program to provide for preclearance, is antiquated and thus greater in-person supervision of voting in states unconstitutional, and can no longer be used. with a recent history of discriminatory voting laws. The bill also promotes transparency by requiring all Did Shelby have an immediate effect? Yes. states and counties to provide public notice of Since Shelby, new voting restrictions have been voting changes like redistricting or changes to passed in many states, including onerous voter ID polling locations. Finally, the bill would expand laws, limits to voter registration, and restrictions on requirements for bilingual voting materials. early voting. In 2016, the first presidential election in more than 50 years without the full protections Is it important to pass the Advancement Act of the VRA, 14 states had more restrictive voting this congressional session? Yes. Without rules than they did in 2012. These laws point to a proactive legislation that protects voters from trend of disenfranchisement and underscore the discriminatory disenfranchisement, voters in states need to restore the VRA. with restrictive laws will find themselves unable to participate in upcoming elections, including the 2018 Do voter ID laws prevent individual voter midterm elections. In addition, voters may find new fraud? No. Supporters of voter ID laws argue that voting and election laws onerous to the point that they prevent voter impersonation fraud, but studies they are dissuaded from trying to cast their ballot. have shown that this type of fraud is virtually non- Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, and all existent. On the contrary, a 2014 Government unnecessary burdens must be alleviated to ensure Accountability Office report found that around all eligible voters can easily register and cast a vote 100,000 fewer people voted in Kansas and that will be counted. Tennessee due to the introduction of voter ID laws

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US Voting Rights History Timeline Year Event New Hampshire becomes the first state to eliminate property ownership requirements, which 1792 gives more white men the opportunity to vote. Property qualifications for voting are eliminated in certain elections in North Carolina, giving 1856 all white men the opportunity to vote. Congress passes the Fifteenth Amendment giving African American men the equal right to 1869 vote.

The Fifteenth Amendment is ratified by the states, giving freed slaves and 1870 other African Americans the equal right to vote.

The Indian Naturalization Act grants citizenship to Native Americans by an application 1890 process. The Nineteenth Amendment, adopted by Congress on June 4, 1919, is finally ratified by the states and becomes national law, giving women 1920 the right to vote.

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 declares all non-citizen Indians born within the United 1924 States to be citizens, giving them the right to vote. In a major civil rights victory, the Chinese Exclusion Act is repealed, giving Chinese 1943 immigrants the right to citizenship and the right to vote. Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1957, giving the US Attorney General the authority to 1957 bring lawsuits on behalf of African Americans denied the right to vote. Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1960, giving the Department of Justice access to all 1960 records related to voter registration, and allowing previously rejected African Americans to apply to a federal court or voting referee. 1964 Poll taxes are outlawed with the adoption of the 24th Amendment.

Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1964, making it illegal to 1964 discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, and gender in voting, public places, the workplace and schools.

The Voting Rights Act is signed into law, permanently barring direct 1965 barriers to political participation by racial and ethnic minorities.

1971 The 26th Amendment gives 18-year-olds the right to vote.

www.ncjw.org June 2016 Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote The US Supreme Court rules in Richardson v. Ramirez that states may deny convicted felons 1974 the right to vote. The 1965 Voting Rights Act is reauthorized to include new measures to permanently bar 1975 literacy tests nationwide and give assistance to language minority voters. The 1965 Voting Rights Act is reauthorized for 25 years. Section 2 is expanded to explicitly 1982 ban any voting practice that had a discriminatory effect, regardless of whether the practice was enacted or operated for a discriminatory purpose. Congress passes the Americans with Disabilities Act which, among other things, requires that 1990 polling sites provide a range of services to ensure that people with disabilities can vote. The language minority provisions of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act are extended to 1992 allow for assistance to more voters with limited English proficiency. The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), also known as the “Motor Voter” Bill, makes 1993 registration more accessible, especially for minority and low income voters. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) provides funds to states to improve election 2002 administration and replace outdated voting systems. The 1965 Voting Rights Act is reauthorized for 25 years with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress. 2006

The US Supreme Court affirms the constitutionality of an Indiana law requiring those voting in-person to present a government issued photo 2008 ID, discriminating against low income voters.

The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act establishes procedures for absent 2009 uniformed services voters and overseas voters. In Shelby County v. Holder, the US Supreme Court strikes down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, the formula Congress uses when 2013 determining if a state or voting jurisdiction requires prior approval or “preclearance” before changing its voting laws. Without Section 4, the preclearance requirement in Section 5 is gutted. In response to Shelby County v. Holder, dozens of states pass laws restricting access to the 2013 - ballot, including limiting voting times, closing polling stations, and requiring photo IDs. In Today response, voting rights lawsuits are ongoing in North Carolina, Texas, and other states and jurisdictions. Congress introduces legislation to restore the full strength of the 1965 Voting Rights Act — 2014 - first the Voting Rights Amendment Act in 2014, then the Voting Rights Advancement Act in Today 2015. Both bills are currently awaiting hearings and votes in Congress.

Without the passage of federal voter protection legislation, November 2016 8, 2016 will be the first election in more than 50 years without the full protection of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

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Voting Rights Discussion Club Books and film can offer a good basis for discussion and further understanding of important subjects. Use these resources below to educate yourself about voting rights, and form discussion clubs to engage NCJW members and others in the work to promote and protect the vote. Be sure to pair each meeting with a call to action, such as: Have members sign a pledge to vote in November; Assign “homework” — have members look up their polling location and hours, necessary ID (if any), and what candidates and initiatives are on the ballot; Organize carpools from local senior centers or homeless shelters to polling stations; Commit to meeting with your elected officials to discuss voting rights; or Download and print copies of NCJW’s Promote the Vote. Protect the Vote Resource Guide.

Use these resources as the basis for a voting rights discussion club!

Give Us the Ballot Iron Jawed Angels Ari Berman charts both the This film focuses on the transformation of American American women's suffrage democracy under the 1965 movement during the 1910s, Voting Rights Act and the and follows women's suffrage counterrevolution that has leaders Alice Paul and Lucy sought to limit voting rights Burns as they use peaceful and since that time in this effective nonviolent strategies, informative book. tactics, and dialogues to revolutionize the American feminist movement to grant women the right to vote.

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Book Club Discussion: Give Us the Ballot Books can offer a good basis for discussion and further understanding of important subjects, and book clubs can be a great method for NCJW members and supporters to get more involved and active. Reading a book about voting rights with a group is an excellent way to raise awareness about the complex history and continued fight for this most basic of civil rights.

Give Us the Ballot, by Ari Berman: In a narrative history, Ari Berman charts both the transformation of American democracy under the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and the counterrevolution that has sought to limit voting rights, from 1965 to the present day. The VRA enfranchised millions of Americans and is widely regarded as the crowning achievement of the civil rights movement. And yet, 50 years later, race, representation, and political power are at the heart of state legislative strategies to keep minorities out of the voting booth following a 2013 US Supreme Court decision declaring a key part of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional. Berman brings the struggle over voting rights to life through meticulous archival research, in- depth interviews with major figures in the debate, and incisive on-the- ground reporting.

Invite Ari Berman to Speak! To invite Ari Berman to speak to your section, contact Faith Fried in NCJW’s Washington Office ([email protected]).

Preparation for the Book Club Gathering: Remind participants to be prepared to discuss how the book relates to NCJW’s mission. Encourage participants to bring statistics and information about voting laws in your state and your community. Confirm location and decide who is bringing snacks and beverages. Ensure a facilitator is prepared to ask questions and guide discussion. Download and print copies of NCJW’s Promote the Vote. Protect the Vote Resource Guide.

Discussion Questions to Consider: Give Us the Ballot is a narrative history of voting rights over the past 50 years. What voting rights or voting activism stories have you heard from family or friends? Do you remember your first vote? Why are personal stories a good way to talk about voting?

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Are you familiar with NCJW’s work on voting rights and the federal judiciary?* Does knowing or learning about this history make you feel differently about the events in the book?

Did anything in the book surprise you? Was there a portion of voting rights history that you previously were not familiar with?

In the book, the author details expansions in voting rights and subsequent reactions to limit registration and voting. Why was the 2013 Supreme Court decision, Shelby County v. Holder, different from past efforts to curtail the right to vote?

The Shelby County decision is only one example in the book of how the federal courts impacted access to the ballot box. How did the previous cases set the path for the Shelby County decision?

Over the course of this book, there is an ideological shift in the federal judiciary regarding its views on the Voting Rights Act and the role of the courts. What made it possible for that shift to occur? How did progressive groups respond? Should constituents have a role to play in the federal judges who hold lifetime seats?

The book includes numerous examples of the grassroots work done to expand the right to vote — marches, protests, registration campaigns, etc. Why do you think grassroots organizing is so effective for voting rights? What might you do today in your community to advocate for voting rights or judges that support access to the ballot?

During the civil rights movement, the Jewish community worked closely with African Americans to advocate for equal rights. How can we engage today with communities impacted by restrictive voting laws, like voters of color, students, language minorities, and individuals who may be elderly, disabled, and/or low-income? Why is it important to advocate together?

The Voting Rights Advancement Act is the current federal response to the Shelby decision. How might you work to support the passage of this bill? Based on current voting laws in your state and municipality, what would you advocate for in this or the next legislative session?

* NCJW was proud to work for passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and has continued to work to ensure access to the ballot box. NCJW launched Promote the Vote in the early 1990’s and expanded to include “Protect the Vote” in2008 to respond to the introduction of voter ID and other suppressive voting laws. With BenchMark, NCJW’s Judicial Nominations Campaign launched in 2001, NCJW was one of the first organizations to launch a campaign aimed specifically at educating and mobilizing people around federal judicial nominations.

Questions? Contact Faith Fried in NCJW’s Washington Office ([email protected]).

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Film Screening and Discussion: Iron Jawed Angels

Films can offer a good basis for discussion and further understanding of important subjects. A film program that includes a screening, facilitated discussion, and perhaps even a speaker, can be an excellent way for NCJW members and supporters to learn more about and get involved in an issue.

Iron Jawed Angels, film by Katja von Garnier: In the early twentieth century, the American women’s suffrage movement mobilized and fought to grant women the right to vote. Watch Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O’Connor) as they fight for women’s suffrage and revolutionize the American feminist movement.

Preparation for the Film Screening: Remind participants to be prepared to discuss how the film relates to NCJW’s mission. Encourage participants to bring statistics and information about voter rights in your community. Confirm location and decide who is bringing snacks and beverages. Ensure a facilitator is prepared to ask questions and guide discussion. Download and print copies of NCJW’s Promote the Vote. Protect the Vote Resource Guide.

Discussion Questions to Consider: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and the National Women’s Party conducted marches, picketed the White House, and held rallies. What ways can you mobilize and influence your local, state, and federal elected officials?

Lucy Burns discusses the “dos and don’ts” of lobbying, which include knowing the background of the member, being a good listener, and not losing your temper. Do you think these

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rules have changed in the past 100 years? If so, how? What other “dos and don’ts” can you think of?

How did the film portray racism within the women’s suffrage movement? How did racism linger in the feminist movement?

In the film, the methods of the National Women’s Party and the National American Women’s Suffrage Association are contrasted. What does the film suggest about big change versus incremental change? When might one type of change be better than the other?

What does Alice Paul mean when she tells Emily Leighton that she is “worse than anti- suffragettes?” Who did the National Women’s Party’s see as its biggest opponent: President Wilson, Congress, the National American Women’s Suffrage Association, or women like Emily Leighton?

The Bechdal Test, created by cartoonist Alison Bechdal, is an indicator of gender inequality and female representation in films and other fiction. The test consists of three questions, which must be answered in the affirmative to pass the test: 1) Are there at least two named women? 2) Do these women talk to each other? 3) Is the conversation about something besides a man? In your opinion, does Iron Jawed Angels pass this test? Why or why not?

Alice Paul tells Lucy Burns “I won’t give anything away till we have it all.” Do you think women have it all now? Are there issues that you “won’t give away till you have it all?”

Questions? Contact Faith Fried in NCJW’s Washington Office ([email protected]).

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#RestoreTheVRA Social Media Guide

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) protected voting rights around the country for the past 50 years. However, perhaps the most important protection of the VRA — requiring states with a history of discriminatory voting practices to submit any proposed changes to voting laws to the Department of Justice for approval — was gutted by the US Supreme Court in its June 25, 2013 decision, Shelby County v. Holder. In response to Shelby, states and local governments have passed and implemented restrictive laws threatening access to the polls for millions of eligible voters. We must #RestoreTheVRA to ensure that every eligible voter is able to vote, and every vote cast is counted.

Raise your voice on social media to tell your elected officials to #RestoreTheVRA! And, be sure to follow NCJW on Facebook and Twitter.

Social Media Tips and Tricks When tagging someone on Twitter at the start of a post using the “@”, remember to add a period (.) as the first character. Otherwise, it won’t show up in others’ Twitter feeds. A picture is worth a thousand words. Use photos, graphics, or other visual elements in your post. Engage with other NCJW members and friends by tagging them in your posts, following them, and liking and retweeting their posts. Though it is unlikely, there is a small possibility people will reply to your posts with rude, offensive or malicious posts of their own. Leave them alone; engaging internet bullies is a fruitless endeavor. Use the hashtag #RestoreTheVRA with all posts on Facebook and Twitter. It allows other NCJW members to more quickly see — and therefore comment, like, and share — your posts. Tag @NCJW in your posts. This will allow us to lift up your post as well.

Facebook In 2013, the US Supreme Court gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder. Since then, dozens of restrictive voting laws have been passed, making it harder for voters of color, low income voters, and elderly voters to participate in our democracy. This cannot stand! Congress MUST #RestoreTheVRA! On November 8, America will go to the polls for the first presidential election in 50 years without the full protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Shuttered polling stations, reduced early voting, and suppressive voter ID laws are just a few of the barriers that people will face at the polls. Tell Congress to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act before it’s too late! #RestoreTheVRA [Image 1]

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Twitter General Messaging Election season is in full swing: find info in @NCJW’s PTV Guide: https://www.ncjw.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/07/Protect-the-Vote-2015.pdf #RestoreTheVRA Every citizen deserves an equal voice in our democracy. Tell Congress to #RestoreTheVRA! Failure to advance the #AdvancementAct gives a free pass to voting discrimination. #RestoreTheVRA Voting windows are being narrowed, polling places closed, and more barriers to voting are being enacted. Congress MUST #RestoreTheVRA! Federal courts impact #votingrights. #DoYourJob #CourtsMatter #RestoreTheVRA Congress must come together to repeat what they did 50 years ago: pass historic voting rights legislation. #RestoreTheVRA [Image 2] Help #GOTV! Need ideas? Check out our list of five places to get out the vote. [Image 3]

Election Messaging Voters across the country are facing issues this election season. Call 866-OUR-VOTE for help or to report problems! [Image 1] Unless Congress acts, voters in 2016 will face first the presidential election in more than 50 years without a strong VRA. #RestoreTheVRA

Faith Messaging Working for civil rights is an expression of our faith! #RestoreTheVRA! [Image 4] The right to vote is integral to the pursuit of tzedek, or justice. #RestoreTheVRA

Gender-based Messaging Voting rights = women’s rights. #RestoreTheVRA Draconian voter ID laws disproportionately impact women. Yet another reason to #RestoreTheVRA Barriers to voting mostly affect voters of color, low-wage voters, and elderly voters, many of whom are women! #RestoreTheVRA

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Image 3 Image 4

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Shelby County v. Holder Anniversary Social Media Guide (Tweets and images courtesy of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.)

Monday, June 20 The Shelby County #SCOTUS decision gutted the VRA three years ago this week. Congress must come together + work to #RestoreTheVRA this year. 3 years after #SCOTUS gutted the VRA, we're joining other voting rights advocates this week to demand action from Congress. #RestoreTheVRA #SCOTUS gutted the Voting Rights Act three years ago this week. Tell Congress all week long that it's past time to #RestoreTheVRA. Now three years after Shelby County v. Holder, join us this week in calling on Congress to finally #RestoreTheVRA! Voting discrimination has been rampant since #SCOTUS gutted the VRA three years ago. Here's where: http://bit.ly/1XLNpR2 #RestoreTheVRA This week marks 3 years since #SCOTUS eviscerated the Voting Rights Act. Republican leadership hasn't done anything to help. #RestoreTheVRA We're 5 days away from the third anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder. Republican leaders in Congress still refuse to help #RestoreTheVRA. In 2016, a number of races could be determined by the voter discrimination made possible by Shelby. http://bit.ly/ShelbyImpact #RestoreTheVRA This week marks THREE years since #SCOTUS gutted the Voting Rights Act. When will Congress work to #RestoreTheVRA? [image] As we approach the third anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder this Saturday, tell Congress now to #RestoreTheVRA. [image] Voters across the country are facing issues at the ballot box. Congress must help by working to #RestoreTheVRA ASAP. [image] We're quickly approaching #Election2016. It's time for Congress to start working to protect voters + #RestoreTheVRA. [image] 50+ years after the VRA, racial discrimination in voting persists. Republican leadership must help #RestoreTheVRA. [image]

Tuesday, June 21 Today, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is hearing challenges to North Carolina’s monster voter suppression law. Click here to access additional tweets and images featuring videos of disenfranchised N.C. voters.

www.ncjw.org June 2016 Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote N.C. passed a voter suppression law less than 2 months after Shelby. Here's who it disenfranchised: http://bit.ly/1RxZhNR #RestoreTheVRA These voters in North Carolina were disenfranchised after #SCOTUS gutted the Voting Rights Act: http://bit.ly/1RxZhNR #RestoreTheVRA

Wednesday, June 22 Today is the anniversary of the 1970 reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, which is a great opportunity to highlight the law’s bipartisan history. #OTD in 1970, Nixon reauthorized the VRA: “The Voting Rights Act of 1965 has opened participation in the political process.” #RestoreTheVRA Every reauthorization of the VRA was signed by a Republican president and supported by an overwhelming number of Republicans. #RestoreTheVRA Republican President Nixon reauthorized the VRA for five years #OTD in 1970. Read his statement here: http://bit.ly/1MLLKoy #RestoreTheVRA For the last 50+ years, the work to protect citizens from voting discrimination has been bipartisan work. That must continue. #RestoreTheVRA The lack of action on voting rights by Republican leadership today is in direct conflict with the law's bipartisan history. #RestoreTheVRA

Thursday, June 23 Today, join the coalition’s weekly #RestoreTheVRA twitter storm at 1 p.m. ET, which we’ve been doing for more than a year!

Friday, June 24 Today is the one-year anniversary of the bicameral introduction of the Voting Rights Advancement Act. It's been one year since @SenatorLeahy and @RepTerriSewell introduced the Voting Rights Advancement Ac to #RestoreTheVRA. We need a vote! The Voting Rights Advancement Act was introduced one year ago today. It's time for Republican leadership to hold a vote. #RestoreTheVRA .@SenatorLeahy and @RepTerriSewell introduced a bill to #RestoreTheVRA exactly a year ago. Republican leadership refuses to consider it. A second bill to help #RestoreTheVRA was introduced a year ago. It's still languishing because Republican leadership won't hold hearings. Thank you @SenatorLeahy and @RepTerriSewell for introducing the Voting Rights Advancement Act #OTD last year to help #RestoreTheVRA.

www.ncjw.org June 2016 Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote Saturday, June 25 Today is the third anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder. Please consider scheduling some tweets for this day! #OTD three years ago, the Supreme Court stuck a dagger into the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Now, Congress must #RestoreTheVRA. It's now been 3 years since #SCOTUS gutted the Voting Rights Act. We need Congress to come together and finally #RestoreTheVRA this year! Today marks 3 years since #SCOTUS eviscerated the Voting Rights Act. Republican leadership hasn't done anything to help. #RestoreTheVRA

General messaging (all week) Unless Congress acts, voters in 2016 will face the 1st presidential election in 50 years without the VRA's full protections. #RestoreTheVRA For 3 years, GOP leaders in Congress have been complicit in the largest rollback to voting rights in 50 years. It's time to #RestoreTheVRA. Three years after #SCOTUS gutted the Voting Rights Act, Republican leadership STILL hasn't acted to #RestoreTheVRA. That's shameful. In primary after primary, we've seen jurisdictions once covered by the VRA make it harder for people to vote. #RestoreTheVRA #Election2016 Some states pushed through restrictive voting laws immediately after Shelby. Congress must act ASAP to #RestoreTheVRA before it's too late. Republican leadership is obstructing all consideration of 2 bipartisan bills to #RestoreTheVRA, allowing voting discrimination to continue. Members of Congress opposing efforts to #RestoreTheVRA want us to believe racial discrimination only exists in history books. They're wrong. States + localities across the nation are making it harder for voters of color to participate in our democracy. Congress must #RestoreTheVRA Freed from oversight and accountability, states + localities are denying the right to vote to thousands. That's why we must #RestoreTheVRA Voting windows are being narrowed, polling places closed, and more barriers to voting are being enacted. Congress MUST #RestoreTheVRA ASAP. Yes, Republican leadership + the GOP chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees have refused to take ANY action to #RestoreTheVRA. Republican leadership in Congress refuses to hold hearings to review evidence of modern voting discrimination. That's absurd. #RestoreTheVRA Those who refuse to take action are turning back the clock on 50+ years of progress + must be held accountable. It's time to #RestoreTheVRA.

www.ncjw.org June 2016 Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote Today, obstructionists in Congress are denying voting discrimination continues while stalling progress on legislation to #RestoreTheVRA. GOP leadership must stop pandering to extremists and let people of color, and all Americans, have equal access to the ballot. #RestoreTheVRA Today, Republicans should work with Democrats in Congress to fulfill their obligations under the Constitution. It's time to #RestoreTheVRA. Congress has the power and the duty to act and restore protections against racial discrimination in voting. They must act to #RestoreTheVRA.

Images #RestoreTheVRA-2 #RestoreTheVRA-3years-1

#RestoreTheVRA-3years-2 WarningSigns-1

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www.ncjw.org June 2016 Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote Voter Pledge Cards

Print and distribute at your section events, thrift stores, offices, and synagogues.

www.ncjw.org June 2016 Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote

www.ncjw.org/vote Do you know someone … Do you know someone … > Who has changed her/his address? > Who has changed her/his address? > Who has just turned 18? > Who has just turned 18? > Who needs to register to vote? > Who needs to register to vote? Register to vote online in minutes! Register to vote online in minutes! http://bit.ly/NCJWvotes http://bit.ly/NCJWvotes

Do you know someone … Do you know someone … > Who has changed her/his address? > Who has changed her/his address? > Who has just turned 18? > Who has just turned 18? > Who needs to register to vote? > Who needs to register to vote? Register to vote online in minutes! Register to vote online in minutes! http://bit.ly/NCJWvotes http://bit.ly/NCJWvotes

www.ncjw.org June 2016 Voting Rights Under Attack: An NCJW Toolkit to Protect the Vote

Sample Voter Information Handout

Special thanks to Florida SPA Linda Geller Schwartz and the Palm Beach, Southeast Atlantic, and Valencia Shores Sections, along with their partner, League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County, for sharing this voter information handout example!

Customize the handout to include information about elections happening in your state and/or municipality, and distribute at local synagogues, Jewish community centers, high schools, community colleges, health clinics, food banks, libraries, senior centers, and other places in your community. The handout is a good opportunity to get out the vote with coalition partners and traditionally disenfranchised members of your community, such as elderly voters, voters of color, and young voters.

www.ncjw.org June 2016

Save the date: Why Vote 8/30? IMPORTANT FLORIDA PRIMARY ELECTION on 1. Many IMPORTANT POSITIONS will be elected.

August 30, 2016 2. A proposed CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT will be decided.

NOTE: If you are registered with a political party, WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: you can vote for all positions on the ballot. If you are not 1. REGISTER to vote. If you are already registered with a political party, you can vote for the registered, you will receive a new Voter ID card non-partisan positions*. Everyone can vote on the in the mail this summer. constitutional amendment. 2. Check your PARTY affiliation. Positions on the 3. Check the info on your Voter ID card. Voting is ballot: a SNAP: COUNTY S = Signature • Property Appraiser* N = Name • Sheriff * A = Address • Supervisor of Elections* P = Party Affiliation • Clerk of Circuit Court 4. Save your card. • Tax Collector To vote in the August Primary, UPDATE your • Public Defender information or REGISTER by AUGUST 1. • County Commissioners CONTACT THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS • School Board* www.pbcelections.org • County & Circuit Court Judges* 1-866-868-3321 STATE • Senators 3 Easy Ways 2 • Representatives Vote FEDERAL • Senator BY MAIL – Contact the Supervisor of Elections Office • Representatives (SOE) by AUGUST 24 to request an application. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT #4 Your ballot must be received at the SOE Main Office • A vote "for" the measure would provide by 7:00 p.m. by AUGUST 30 in order to be counted. property tax exemptions for solar power and (Don’t forget to SIGN the Voter's Certificate Envelope other renewable energy equipment for commercial before mailing your ballot and attach adequate postage.) properties. EARLY VOTING – Between AUGUST 15 and 28, • A vote "against" the measure would prevent 10am – 6pm, you can vote at several locations in the property tax exemptions for commercial county. For a list of locations, go to properties for renewable energy equipment. www.pbcelections.org. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION GO TO: AT THE POLLS – Election day is AUGUST 30. You FLORIDA DIVISION OF ELECTIONS must vote at your own polling location, which can be www.dos.myflorida.com/elections found on your Voter ID Card. Or visit www.pbcelections.org and click “where do I vote.” OR Remember to bring a current, valid picture / signature ID.

(Candidate information available August 1.)

Palm Beach, Southeast Atlantic, Valencia Shores www.lwvpbc.org www.ncjwpalmbeach.org