To call attention to the dual threats of voter suppression and money in politics, activists have been organizing National Days of Action on and around January 19th to organize teach-ins, rallies and other events around the country. January 19th was selected because that weekend marks both the 3rd anniversary of Citizens United v. FEC and the Martin Luther King holiday. Individual activists are organizing events in their communities, and major events are being planned across the country to jumpstart campaigns to get the big Money Out, and the Voters In.
Filmmaker Dennis Trainor, Jr., caught up with Lee Camp, Aaron Black and Mark Green at the NYC event.
Statement of Purpose
In November, citizens in every state came together to cast their votes for President, Congress, and other state and local offices. The right to cast those votes -- to elect leaders who represent us -- is at the heart of our democratic system. But that right is in danger.
Our system of fair and free elections is under attack on multiple fronts. The Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United opened the floodgates for special interest money and corporate influence in politics. At the same time, a rash of voter suppression laws in more than 30 states has threatened to make voting difficult, if not impossible, for millions of Americans.
Throughout the history of our nation, powerful politicians and interest groups have tried to block eligible voters from casting a ballot. For much of the twentieth century, they used literacy tests or demanded poll taxes. Today they ask for photo voter ID, or create restrictive voter registration schemes. These laws, combined with the challenge posed by limitless corporate influence, strike at the very core of our democracy.
Our nation's history has been a journey towards true equality and the promise of a government of, by and for the people. Just as we have overcome many obstacles to achieve that promise, we are now committed to standing up against the pervasive, corrupting influence of an electoral system that auctions offices to the highest bidder and suppresses the vote of millions of Americans.
No matter what happened on November 6th, these threats must continue to be addressed. Together with our allies across the political spectrum, we pledge to fight for the rights of all voters in our nation and to move that much closer to creating a more perfect union. The future of our democracy depends on it.
