Stand Up America: Funding For National Vote-By-Mail Encouraging But Not Enough

Following reports that lawmakers reached a deal last night that included some funding for implementing vote-by-mail and other voting reforms in every state, Stand Up America Founder and President Sean Eldridge released the following statement:

"This pandemic is a threat not only to our health and our economy, but also to our democracy.

"While we're encouraged that our grassroots advocacy and pressure from Democratic lawmakers forced Republicans to increase funding for voting access from $140 million to $400 million, it's still not enough to ensure the integrity of the 2020 election.

"Congress must fully fund national vote-by-mail, online registration, and early voting in the next coronavirus response package so that states can ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot this fall."

The Brennan Center for Justice has estimated that $2 billion is required to ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot this fall.

Last week, Stand Up America launched a national campaign urging lawmakers to swiftly pass legislation that would provide states funding to implement no-excuse absentee voting and vote-by-mail. Community members have already driven more than 70,000 constituent calls to Congress on the issue.

Stand Up America will continue driving grassroots actions to ensure that vote-by-mail, expanded early voting and online registration are funded and implemented ahead of the general election this fall.