The Workers Circle Applauds the Re-Introduction of the Transformational Democracy Reform Package, the Freedom to Vote Act
July 18, 2023
Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347 361 9983
(NEW YORK) On Tuesday July 18, U.S. Representative John Sarbanes (D- MD) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with co-sponsors, introduced the Freedom to Vote Act in Congress. Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle, responded.
The Freedom to Vote Act is a vital democracy package that would create national standards to ensure every American can cast their ballot freely no matter their zip code or political party. It will establish safeguards to prevent election sabotage. It will ban gerrymandering and ensure districts are drawn fairly. It will shine a light on dark money in elections.
With democracy under attack, the Freedom to Vote Act gives voters their power back. That’s why the Workers Circle and the Declaration for American Democracy, a coalition of over 260 local, state, and national organizations, are calling on Congressional leaders to do everything in their power to support this landmark legislation.
The Workers Circle is a national, secular, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the US fleeing autocracy and persecution and seeking democratic freedoms. We know the dangers of un-checked political power. We all are charged to take action to strengthen U.S. democracy and equal rights, right here, right now.
The Workers Circle has been working in concerted partnership with Black-led organizations to counter the impact of state voter suppression laws that target Black voters. But we should not need to do this. Voters of color should not have to surmount hurdles to the ballot box! Sixty years ago our members marched side-by-side with civil rights leaders to ensure equal access to the ballot. It is outrageous that in 2023 we are again required to fight shoulder-to-shoulder for the fundamental right of every American to vote. The Freedom to Vote Act would stop state voter suppression laws in their tracks and ensure every American can cast their ballot freely.
Today’s introduction of the Freedom to Vote Act is a crucial step toward ensuring accountability to voters, not partisan interests or big money. We urge Congress to support the Freedom to Vote Act and strengthen “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
About the Workers Circle
Founded 122 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.