Advocates Say $400 Million in Election Assistance Not Enough to Safeguard Democracy, Demand Congress Provide More Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 26, 2020

PRESS CONTACT:
Ryan Thomas
(763) 954-0470
ryan@standupamerica.com

Last week, Stand Up America launched a nationwide campaign urging lawmakers to swiftly pass legislation to provide states funding to implement no-excuse absentee voting and vote-by-mail to protect voters during the pandemic. Community members made more than 70,000 constituent calls to Congress urging lawmakers to provide at least $2 billion in funding.

Yet yesterday, the Senate approved a coronavirus response bill that included only $400 million in election assistance—and that’s simply not enough to secure our elections and ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot in November.

Here’s what experts and advocates are saying:

The New York Times: Stimulus Money to Protect Elections Falls Short, Critics Say

“State officials and voting rights advocates say the $400 million included in the stimulus package to safeguard elections is far less than the amount states will need to implement voting by mail across the nation.”

ABC News: Congress Pours $400 Million Into Boosting States’ Election Efforts Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Experts Say It’s ‘Not Enough’

“One progressive advocacy group, Stand Up America, which held a call with reporters earlier this week featuring both Klobuchar and Wyden, is one of the key drivers pushing voting by mail across the country, also urged that the total is ‘not enough.’

“‘This pandemic is a threat not only to our health and our economy, but also to our democracy,’ said Sean Eldridge, founder and president of the non-profit. ‘While we’re encouraged that our grassroots advocacy and pressure from Democratic lawmakers forced Republicans to increase funding for voting access from $140 million to $400 million, it’s still not enough to ensure the integrity of the 2020 election.’”

The Daily Beast: The Coronavirus Bill Is a Massive Lifeline for Everything. Except Democracy

Newsweek: Congress’ $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package Not ‘Nearly Enough’ To Safeguard 2020 Election, Experts Say

National Journal: Gaps In $2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package Signal What’s Next For Congress

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About Stand Up America

Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with over two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to strengthen our democracy and oppose Trump’s corrupt agenda, Stand Up America has driven over one million calls to lawmakers and mobilized tens of thousands of protestors across the country.

Website: StandUpAmerica.com
Twitter: @StandUpAmerica
Facebook: @StandUpAmerica