Washington, DC— Today, People For the American Way joined the League of Women Voters in sponsoring the #NoMoreExcuses Rally in support of voting rights in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House. The event included a civil disobedience action, in which demonstrators zip-tied themselves to a fence in full view of the White House, to highlight the urgent need for President Biden to lead on voting rights.
People For President Ben Jealous urged the president to call on the Senate to do away with the filibuster as an obstacle to voting rights legislation, including the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
In remarks prepared for delivery, Jealous said:
“For generations, Americans have been willing to put our bodies on the line for voting rights. That's why we're here today. And that's why we'll be back again -- for as long as it takes. Mr. President, use the power the people gave you when they elected you to the highest office in the land. Protect voting rights. Protect democracy. Meet the challenge of the moment you have been given. Lead, and we the people will support you.”
In addition to Jealous, members of People For’s Young Elected Officials network and African American Ministers in Action network took part in the protest. Advocates stressed that more events and escalation of pressure on Congress and the White House will occur until voting rights legislation is finally passed.
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.