POGO Supports the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act

United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representatives,

I write on behalf of the Project On Government Oversight, in strong support of the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which will ensure that voters can safely and freely cast their ballots, protect against election sabotage, stop partisan gerrymandering, and limit the influence of dark money in politics. This legislation is necessary to protect the freedom of all Americans to elect their leaders.

POGO is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that investigates and exposes waste, corruption, abuse of power, and when the government fails to serve the public or silences those who report wrongdoing. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles.

The freedom to vote is under threat across the country. In 2021 alone, 19 states enacted 34 new laws that restrict access to the ballot box. More are under consideration today. Candidates are running for top election offices spreading dangerous and debunked claims of widespread voter fraud. States are passing racially gerrymandered maps that dilute the power of Black and brown voters. This legislation would fight back against all these attacks and protect the foundational right to participate in safe, accessible, and transparent elections.

Elections allow citizens to choose their leaders — and to vote them out of office if they abuse their power or act corruptly. Undermining Americans’ ability to cast their ballots weakens the single best tool we have to hold our government and its leaders accountable. Our elected officials need to stop everything else they are doing and prioritize efforts to preserve our democracy.

The Project On Government Oversight fully endorses the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act and urges you to support this legislation.

Sincerely,

Danielle Brian
Executive Director