Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and several colleagues in introducing a resolution to designate September as “National Voting Rights Month”. The resolution will encourage voter registration throughout September and emphasize the need for improved election security and access to the ballot during the pandemic.

“The right to vote is foundational to our democracy, but it has come under attack from the forces gerrymandering, money in politics, voter suppression, and more. It is no accident that these forces disproportionately target communities of color, as they have throughout our history,” said Bennet. “Our resolution not only recognizes this history but reaffirms our shared responsibility to push for common-sense reforms to strengthen our democracy – just as our parents and grandparents did for us.”

"The principle that every American has the right to choose our leaders by voting in free and fair elections should not be a partisan proposition,” said Wyden. “But far too often, Black Americans, and women and people of color have their Constitutional right to vote stolen by absurd disenfranchisement schemes. Today, with the future of our country in the balance and misinformation about voting spewing from the Oval Office itself, it is even more important to recognize the importance of voting rights. I’m proud to once again partner with Congressman Veasey to mark how voting rights are at the core of our democracy.”   

The resolution would also put pressure on Congress to pass key voting rights legislation, including H.R.1, the For the People Act, S.4263, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, S.4527, the Delivering for America Act, and other bills.

It also commemorates the life and legacy of John R. Lewis and his commitment to voting rights in America; and the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. Additionally, the resolution encourages public schools and universities to develop curriculums to educate students on voter suppression laws, and the importance of voter engagement.

This resolution has been endorsed by a number of voting rights and civil rights organizations, including the National Organization for Women, Fair Fight Action, Voter Protection Corps, Demos and the National Black Justice Coalition.

In addition to Bennet and Wyden, this resolution is cosponsored by Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).