SiX Main Takeaways
1. The best defense is a good offense. There is off-the-charts support for pro-voter proposals and making COVID changes permanent. You have the backing to be bold and to define reforms on our terms. Check out our slide deck for poll numbers to use in your arguments.
2. Even though Americans oppose anti-voter policies, there is a huge uptick in anti-voter bills— in 33 states, 165 bills have been introduced so far this year, focused in these areas: limiting who can vote by mail, adding barriers to casting your absentee ballot, new voter ID restrictions, reducing voter registration opportunities, and aggressive voter purging.
3. Talk about what you're for, not what you're against. When messaging publicly on voting rights, lead with shared values (like freedom to vote, moving forward), center impacted folks, and highlight your positive vision for the future of our democracy. Avoid reacting defensively to the opposition’s narrative and refuting their false claims in public–it only strengthens their position and lies. Check out our slides for wording recommendations.
4. Coordination and coalitions are key. Winning good policy and defeating bad bills requires constant coordination. Work closely with your caucus, across chambers, and with the advocacy organizations taking the lead on the different bills, and echo and amplify each other’s work. Rep. Salman offered some examples of how she’s done this in Arizona. Follow her on Twitter, too.
5. Consider how to leverage internal divisions and in-fighting among legislators advancing voter suppression to kill, weaken, or stall bad bills.
6. Help communities recover from the pandemic. Right now, our legislatures should be focusing on recovering from this pandemic and strengthening our democracy–and this message can build public opposition to anti-voter bills. Reach out to SiX and Future Now if you need support.