Early Voting, Vote By Mail, and The For the People Act - "When We All Vote" breaks down the bill
Call your senators now and urge them to support the For the People Act >>
As the For the People Act makes its way through the Senate, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to join us in the important work of protecting our democracy -- so we’re breaking down legislation and giving you ways to take action and make an impact. This week, we’re talking about how the For the People Act would expand access to early voting and voting by mail. Read on to find out why the expansion of early voting and voting by mail matters so much and how the passage of this the For the People Act would make it possible.
A quick refresher before we get into the details: The For the People Act is legislation that would expand voting rights for all and create a democracy that demands integrity, fairness, and transparency in every election across the country. It is extremely comprehensive and includes several reforms that are urgently needed to ensure free and fair elections for all.
Today, we’re talking about how the For the People Act would expand access to early voting and vote by mail options and why this is so important now >>
The 2020 election season, which took place during a global pandemic, made clear that Americans need different options to cast their ballot, including the option to vote by mail. 46% of people voted by mail or absentee during this election cycle -- but not every American had this option.
Voting by mail is a safe and secure way to have your voice heard at the ballot box, and it gives people who can’t vote in person or on Election Day the chance to make their voices heard. But despite the clear need for vote by mail options, many states continue to put unreasonable restrictions on the ability to do so.
If the For the People Act is passed, it would establish a set of standards for access to voting by mail in federal elections, including requiring states to allow any eligible voter to vote by mail in federal elections and to allow voters to request mail-in ballots online or by phone.
The For the People Act expands early voting access, too. In 2020, 45 states and the District of Columbia offered some opportunity for voters to cast their ballot early in person ahead of the designated Election Day. The absence of a national standard means that some states have few or inconsistent early voting hours.
If the For the People Act is passed,it would make voting easier for many by requiring that for federal elections states provide at least two weeks of early voting (including on weekends) ahead of Election Day. Because many people work on Election Day, it can be difficult to take the time out of the day to vote. Expanding and guaranteeing an early voting period will make it possible for everyone to cast their vote without having to miss work or search for child care. It’ll also reduce long lines at the polls and ease the pressure on election officials and poll workers on Election Day.
You can help make the expansion of early voting access and vote by mail options possible by calling your senators and asking them to support the For the People Act.
Already given your senators a call? Forward this email to your friends and family, and ask them to reach out, too. The more we talk to our representatives about the change we want to see, the more likely we are to see it happen. It’s going to take all of us working together to make an impact.
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When We All Vote