COVID-19 has challenged the American electoral system in unprecedented ways. Last week the Independent Sector issued a Call to Action , urging members of Congress to commit $3.6 billion in election safeguards to support forms of alternative voting, staffing needs, and safe polling locations. Local and state officials must provide safe in-person and alternate voting options to prevent disenfranchising voters who have been severely and disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Nonprofit advocacy is our nation’s best defense. As a vital meeting ground for the nonprofit community, Independent Sector brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society. As the nation’s third largest employer, nonprofits are able to organize 12.3 million employees and mobilize networks of donors, volunteers, and constituents across 1.5 million organizations. We must act now to ensure that every eligible voter is afforded the opportunity to safely cast their ballot.
As the country faces historic challenges, nonprofits must expand our role in connecting local experience to elected leadership by serving as a reliable, nonpartisan resource to candidates, policymakers, and voters. On Thursday, July 9th we will host a 60-minute “Save the Vote” webinar to discuss the sector’s advocacy and mobilization efforts around this important issue. Federal and state officials must take immediate action to ensure that elections nationwide are conducted in ways that are safe, secure, and in compliance with public health guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Watch the recording:
