January 6 Insurrection Anniversary

Today marks the first anniversary of the horrific attack on our country when right-wing extremists assaulted our nation’s Capitol, threatening to overturn the will of voters and undermine our very democracy.

As we remember the terror, shock, and revulsion we felt that day, we are more committed than ever to ensuring that every vote is counted, and every voice is heard! This January 6th, Americans across race, place, party, religious affiliation, and background are coming together to say: In America, the voters decide the outcome of our elections!

Sadly, the violence of that day was not the end, but only the beginning of ongoing efforts to sabotage our elections and curtail our freedoms. Some politicians have been working ever since to prevent you from exercising your right to vote, especially if you are a person of color.

Wisconsin has been in the forefront of these efforts. Legislation, lawsuits, sham investigations, and attacks on the Wisconsin Election Commission and election officials have conspired to sow distrust in our elections and erect barriers to common-sense voter protection measures such as the use of drop boxes, absentee ballots, and early voting. The legislature and state Supreme Court have upheld partisan gerrymandering, which could enshrine minority rule in our state for decades to come.

As people of faith, we understand that the right to vote is sacred and that it is each person’s responsibility to safeguard that right. Every eligible voter should have equal access to the ballot box, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin, their background, or their political party.

Coming together, we can demand that our Senators pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to create national standards that protect our rights, ensure that trusted local election officials count every vote, and prevent partisan politicians from sabotaging the results of our elections.