Thread by @IndivisibleBend

Thank you @TeamJamie4OR for this powerful statement in support of the #ForThePeopleAct.

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Each year, the Fourth of July is a strong reminder that the work – and promise -- of American democracy is far from complete, and the last few years have shown this even more clearly.

With our Democracy at such a fragile time, we need the For The People Act more than ever to provide tools to make sure it doesn’t break.

I spent part of my childhood in Tanzania, where I was exposed to other forms of government, including dictatorship, when Idi Amin in neighboring Uganda began murdering his citizens and the children of families who fled to Tanzania became my friends and classmates.

I have seen what it looks like when you have no say in your government and your government operates without integrity.

Our system of government is imperfect, but it offers an opportunity many systems don’t – the ability to participate and work to change the system – even if it takes a long time – through getting involved advocating, voting and even running for office.

This process is currently being threatened by voter suppression legislation, gerrymandering, unlimited donations, insurrection, and the rhetoric of the Big Lie.

The #ForThePeopleAct is a critical opportunity to show what kind of America we can be – one that works toward inclusion and justice.

We all stand to gain from increased voter access, campaign finance reform that creates more diverse representation, and improved transparency and ethics that increase accountability.

For example, campaign finance reform that shows us the trail of contributions tells us exactly how candidates ended up on our ballots while ensuring greater access to the ballot means more voices will be heard in our elections.

Like any hard-won right in this country, though, the For The People Act will not pass unless we advocate for it. It is up to us to hold our government accountable for living up to our potential as a democracy, and it is up to us to turn that potential and promise into reality.

Thank you, @TeamJamie4OR, for being part of our #DeadlineforDemocracy event! We are so grateful for your wise words and your leadership!