From Americans for Tax Fairness (https://americansfortaxfairness.org/):
Young people represent the most diverse generation in American history.[1] And, in three straight elections, they have turned out in record numbers to vote for an American dream that includes all of us[2]―not just greedy corporations, billionaires, or those intent on maintaining an unjust status quo that puts power and money over the rights of millions.
In response to record youth voter turnout, conservative state legislatures in 19 states have passed voter suppression bills intended to silence young people, people of color, low-income people, LGBTQ people, and other underrepresented voters.[3] They don’t want a democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people. They want a minority of Americans to control the laws and policies we live by.
Help us demand that Congress strengthen our constitutional right to vote. Add your name at https://actionnetwork.org/forms/pass-the-youth-voting-rights-act and tell Congress to pass Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s and Rep. Nikema Williams’ Youth Voting Rights Act to ensure young voters have an equal voice in fighting for a future, an economy, and a tax system that puts everyday people ahead of the wealthy few.
While abortion rights were a driving force behind youth voter turnout in the recent midterm elections, we’re seeing young people turnout on a range of issues centered around justice and equity―from the environment to the economy.
The Youth Voting Rights Act would:
- Empower individuals and the government to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18
- Allow voter pre-registration nationally
- Expand voter registration at colleges and universities
- Mandate on-campus polling locations
- Allow student ID’s to be used for voter-identification
- Found a youth engagement organization for elections and empower them with data
Even in the face of relentless attacks on our democracy, the good news is that young people today are active and engaged in our elections. And, studies show that when young people vote in three straight elections, they become lifelong voters.[4]
We can defeat the billionaire and corporate interests, but only when millions of people make their voices heard.
[1] “On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z So Far,” Pew Research Center, May 14, 2020[2] “2022 Election: Young Voters Have High Midterm Turnout, Influence Critical Races,” Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement
[3] “19 states enacted voting restrictions in 2021. What’s next?” NBC News, Dec. 21, 2021
[4] “FutureVoter Initiative,” VoteAmerica, Sept. 2021
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