The stakes in this election are high and the outcome of the Presidential, Senate & Congressional races this cycle will determine which path we follow as a nation. Either we’ll move our country forward by rebuilding the economy and creating good jobs, continuing to make college more affordable, and preserving critical programs like Social Security & Medicare. Or we’ll face continued attacks against women’s health, more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, and spending cuts that hurt our most vulnerable. It’s an important choice and your vote has the power to make a difference.
That is precisely why Republicans across the country have been trying to pass restrictive voter suppression laws that could make it more difficult for you to exercise your right to vote. There have only been a handful of voter fraud cases in the past decade - and disproportionately affect poor and minority voters. My opponent, Tea Party poster child Joe Walsh, has introduced one of the most sweeping versions of these laws: a bill that would require a government-issued photo ID to vote in all federal elections.
I have lived my entire life defending people's rights. I'm not going to stand by and watch others try to take away the rights of others. I hope you’ll join me in fighting back against voter suppression laws by making your voice heard, loud and clear, on November 6. And if you can, vote early so that nothing can prevent you from getting to the polls.
Finally, there are worthwhile candidates here in Illinois and across the country who could use your help with their Get Out The Vote efforts. Head to your nearest campaign office and spend a few hours making calls or knocking on doors to make sure that potential voters understand the stakes in this election. Make a contribution if you can – even a few dollars goes a long way in paying for the paper, clipboards, phone lines and other supplies that make it possible for volunteers to do the critical work they do. In my own district, volunteers are working from sunrise to sundown, engaging voters one at a time – because conversations like these are how we win.
We’ve got less than two weeks left – let’s make it count!