Hey, y’all:
Last weekend was a BIG weekend. That’s right. We’re talking about the 57th anniversary of the passage of The Voting Rights Act of 1965.
As President Lyndon B. Johnson said, "It is wrong, deadly wrong, to deny any of your fellow Americans the right to vote in this country. There is no issue of states rights or national rights, there is only the struggle for human rights." For years, Black Americans were denied the right to vote, and it wasn't until August 6, 1965, after years of intimidation, murders, and hard fought battles that Black Americans won their right to vote. One of the hardest-fought battles for voting, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 gave power, agency, and access to vote to all Americans.
Pretty cool, right?! The issue is that the fight is still not over! In 2022 alone, six state legislatures have passed nine election interference laws, which could tamper with how elections are run and results are determined. And many of these laws and bills will disproportionately affect voters of color. Obviously, this has us scratching our heads thinking, “What the heck?” We know that our voice–and our vote–matter. So we need to do everything in our power to protect it.
First step? Register to vote. It takes only two minutes (literally, two minutes!) and helps ensure that YOU have the power to claim our democracy and elect leaders committed to taking action on the causes you care about.
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Not 18 this year? Absolutely no worries! Take our civic leadership quiz to learn how you can be an engaged citizen this fall! Your civic leadership–whether as a voter, attending a rally, or volunteering in your community–can shape the future of our country!
Keep scrolling to meet some awesome DoSomething members who are meeting the moment and showing up for democracy this fall and beyond! Let's Do This! DoSomething |
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These DoSomething members know that our votes have the collective power to demand–and expect–that our democracy works for us all!
Even members who may not be of voting age yet know the importance of voting, following elections, and taking action on the causes they care about. Check out what they had to say about what’s on their mind this election season!
“At 15 years old, I’m not able to register to vote yet. But this election season, I’ll be sure to pay more attention to the news regarding the different elections that are being held near me, instead of immediately dismissing it and going about my business as usual,” said DoSomething member Michaela A., 14.
“On my mind this election season is human rights and where work and funds are being allocated for these causes,” said DoSomething member Anastasia K., 19. “Many people have great causes and not enough money to support them. It would greatly help so many people if more participation, effort, and funds were put towards those causes. Especially if those causes help support protecting human rights, it would be worthy to put time and money towards them.”
Join Michaela and Anastasia and share with your peers what is on your mind this election season. When we come together, we can work to make a collective difference! |
FYI…Primary elections are already underway. Check out this week’s primary election voter registration deadlines and important election dates below! - Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, Wisconsin
- Primary election: August 9 (today!)
- Hawaii
- Primary election: August 13
- Rhode Island
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Primary Election voter registration deadline: August 14
And before you go! Check out the Vote411 Voter Guide to learn more about your state and local races, and stay connected to what is happening in your community.
ICYMI…every Tuesday on DoSomething’s social channels we’re sharing with you everything you need to know to be an informed voter this November. Be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram to get your weekly updates! You can DM, tweet, or even tag us with any questions you may have! We’ll be prepping you right up until November 8.
Mark your calendar…On August 16, Power the Polls—the first-of-its-kind, nonpartisan initiative for recruiting younger, more diverse poll workers—is relaunching Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Serving as a poll worker is a valuable way to give back to your community and support your neighbors. Do your part to ensure safe, free, and fair elections for all voters. Yay, democracy!
Cast your vote…DoSomething is hoping to join an awesome lineup of speakers and presenters at next year’s SXSW, but we need your help! Cast your vote by August 21st for our panel submissions, Storm the Polls and Fueling a New Generation of Youth Activists here and here (sign-in required)! We hope to see you in Austin next year!
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CollegeXpress It’s back-to-school season and our friends at CollegeXpress are giving away a $1,500 scholarship through August 31, 2022!
Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer one question to be entered: What is something you hope to learn in the upcoming school year? |
Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat
Interested in hearing from LGBTQ+ and mental health activist Zoe Stoller and 18byVote Executive Director Ava Mateo? Check out Riley’s Way fourth annual Youth Leadership Retreat at Timber Lake Camp in Shandaken, New York! The retreat will bring together 100 young women and gender-expansive youth from across the country to learn about advocacy, activism, and how to use your voice to make a difference! The retreat takes place from September 30 - October 2. Apply to join today!
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