ACTION ALERT: Let My People Vote
There are a lot of issues that suppress the vote in Washington state, and we’re tackling all of them. Here’s an opportunity to take a massive step forward.
Lawmakers in Olympia are considering a bill to make Juneteenth a holiday.
Three things, fam: First, we don’t need a token holiday celebrating our liberation when we’re not liberated. Second, we protect Black culture, we don’t slap it on Golden arches. Third, and most important of all, we can’t ask the legislature to spend dollars on a new holiday that doesn’t actually impact systemic anti-Black racism.
But you know what does? Making Election Day a holiday.
Making Juneteenth an official state holiday could cost Washingtonians $7.5 million over six years. These are funds better allocated to ensuring the right to vote. Washington state could begin to remove the stain of systematic racism in voting access by doing everything possible to enfranchise our people—starting with making Election Day a holiday.
Take Action Now
Send a message to the leadership of the Appropriations Committee to oppose HB1016 and instead sponsor legislation to make Election Day a state-wide holiday.
Click to email lawmakers now >>
Link above not working for you? Email nicole.macri@leg.wa.gov, timm.ormsby@leg.wa.gov, mia.gregerson@leg.wa.gov, and steve.bergquist@leg.wa.gov. Here is a sample message you can use:
Dear Chair Ormsby, Vice Chair Bergquist, Vice Chair Gregerson, and Vice Chair Macri:
I support Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance’s request that your committee sponsor legislation to make Election Day a holiday in Washington state.
This is about increasing voter access, and building a healthy democracy where the voices of the people are centered and empowered.
We urge your support to sponsor Election Day. 71% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans already support a federal holiday on Election Day, but we shouldn’t wait, we should act now.
Election Day should be a Washington state holiday on the second Tuesday of every November, which would dramatically increase voter turnout and the people’s voice in government.
Thank You.