It took a while to get the RI Voting Rights Act bills filed*, but that is done! This is a critical time to ensure the right to vote in RI is secured. The assault on voting rights is happening at the federal level, especially for minority groups, the LGBTQ+ community, and women, continues unabated.
As we wrote about in a recent email, the current attack is ironically named the SAVE Act, and only the latest federal attempt to further impede us from exercising our right to vote.
While the Rhode Island’s Voting Rights Act (RIVRA) will not overpower any federal laws, it will secure voting rights in our state for all Rhode Islanders, while returning protections to their original breadth which is a lot.
A Public Event & Official Bill Launch!
Join us at the RI State House Library, Tuesday, March 31 at 3 PM for the Campaign Launch and press event with Secretary of State Amore, possibly both Congressmen from DC, bill sponsors Rep. Katherine Kazarian and Sen. Val Lawson, among other activists!
While we only have only three months left in our legislative session to get this bill passed into law, we are proud of the 1070 postcards handed out to your individual Reps and Senators so far. These postcards have built a tremendous momentum since mid-February. And we think we have a shot at getting it passed if we can keep that momentum up!
The RIVRA restores and strengthens protections by:
*See bills here: H8334 and S3143.
But we need you in this with us!
It is now time to send in testimony to the two committees as well as an email to your own Rep and Senator (find yours here). So we are asking for you to send THREE emails.
And soon these two bills will be scheduled for committee hearings. While a date has not been assigned (it could be as soon as next Thursday, April 2nd but wait for our next email to confirm), we know who will hear them so lets get our testimony via email ASAP!
(Here is a general outline of what to write and say. Please change it up, as original messages are much more effective.)
> Email your testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee Members: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
> Subject: In support of S3143, The Rhode Island Voting Rights Act
Dear Committee Chair LaMountain and Committee Members:
I am NAME, you constituent and I am writing to express my strong support of the RI Voting Rights Act (S3143). This bill will protect voting rights for all Rhode Islanders, clearly support minority rights for all groups and impose penalties for those interfering in elections. Federal protections have been eroded significantly since the original federal legislation in 1965. The current administration clearly intends to further limit voting. This is not a partisan issue, this is an American issue. Please act to protect my rights and the rights of my neighbors and uphold the Constitution.
Thank you,
NAME/TOWN
– – – – – – – –
> Email your testimony to House State Government & Elections Committee: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
> Subject: In support of H8334, The Rhode Island Voting Rights Act
Dear Committee Chair Shanley and Committee Members:
I am NAME, you constituent and I am writing to express my strong support of the RI Voting Rights Act (H3143). This bill will protect voting rights for all Rhode Islanders, no matter age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, English fluency and/or disability. It further strengthens the Federal Voting Rights Act (1965) which has been significantly diluted over time. The current administration strives to further impair voting. This issue is an American issue, not right or left, not blue or red. Protect my rights and the rights of my neighbors, whether they agree with my politics or not. Please do the simple thing, vote to pass the RIVRA.
Thank you,
NAME/TOWN
In Other News!!!
The Womxn Project Education Fund’s 3rd annual “Advocacy is Love” art fundraiser was a joyous occasion last Friday, at the Guild in Pawtucket. Over 400 folks of all types and ages participated. We are so grateful for the efforts made to put the event together, to all the curators, artists, volunteers, our hosts at the Guild, the @thegrimtarot returning as MC, great tunes by @pagiehuggon and most of all to all those who showed up to support the event. We are thrilled with all of you and all of it. It was an oasis of love and joy in a world that can use much more of both.
Good news, for those who couldn’t make it, the oasis of love and joy continues over at our office, 301 Harris PVD (around the back).
Come by and see where TWP/EF hangs our collective hats and buy some great art. All unique postcard pieces are only $40. We’ll be posting more hours, but certainly open Monday and Thursdays, 10 AM to 2 PM through April 17th and Sunday 3.29 from 12 Noon until 3 PM. Check our SM for updates!
