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July 4th Call to Action for Voting Rights!
 While members of Congress are home for the July 4th recess, tell them renewing the Voting Rights Act must be priority!
June 30, 2006 – When House and Senate members leave Washington, D.C. today for the July 4th recess they will be leaving behind the unfinished business of renewing the Voting Rights Act (VRA). This is in part because – despite strong bipartisan support and the co-sponsorship of the Republican and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate AND the Chairs and Ranking members of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees – the bill to renew and restore the VRA (H.R.9/S.2703) has been stalled by a small, vocal band of extremists who are working to derail its passage. And because the House and Senate face very tight legislative calendars this year, time is of the essence.
Members of Congress are in their home states from today until July 9th. While home, it is critical that they hear from you about the importance of moving quickly to pass H.R.9/S.2703 without any harmful amendments.
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Three Things You Can Do Next Week to Help
Renew & Restore the Voting Rights Act:
- Click and take action – sign the Pledge to Protect Voting Rights.
Click here to indicate your support for the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and its renewal. Then forward the pledge to others and encourage them to sign it as well! In the coming weeks, we will work with our coalition partners to deliver to Congress the pledges and petitions gathered around the country.
- Make a few important phone calls.
Members of Congress must hear their phones ringing with calls to support the VRA! First, call the local offices of your representative and senators’ local offices. (Find contact information here and sample message points here.) Then call these important congressional leaders, all of whom can be reached at (202) 224-3121: House Speaker Hastert, House Majority Leader Boehner, House Minority Leader Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Frist, Senate Minority Leader Reid, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Specter. Finally, call the White House at (202) 456-1111 and urge the president to put the full weight of his office behind ensuring quick action to renew the VRA.
- Get personal – talk with your representative and senators face-to-face.
Call their local offices to request a meeting with your representative and senators. Email us at grassroots@civilrights.org if you schedule a meeting, as we may know of others in your area who could join you. You might also make a point of seek out and talk with your elected officials at the events they’re sure to attend over the holiday (parades, picnics, fundraisers, townhalls, etc.). Not sure what to say? Click the tell me more link below.
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| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: I will take action this Fourth of July Recess!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Use this space to tell us what you plan to do. Or, if you have already taken action, let us know about what you've done!
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
June 30, 2006
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