FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2022

Media Contact:
Katie Wysong, West End Strategy Team
kwysong@westendstrategy.com, (202) 702-690

WASHINGTON – National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz released the following statement on the failure of the US Senate to pass key voting rights legislation:

“Our senators were elected to represent the people. Instead, today, we witnessed their moral failure to protect our fundamental right to free and fair elections. As state legislatures continue to pass laws that block access to the ballot box and silence the will of voters —  especially people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other marginalized populations, the fact remains that the US Senate had the power to pass comprehensive voting legislation and it failed. In the United States we choose our leaders. The leaders don’t choose their voters. That’s not democracy. Our elected officials have forgotten who they serve.

“The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act would ensure the ability of every American to participate in safe, accessible, and transparent elections. Half of our senators are now on record in opposition to preserving and strengthening our democracy — and 52 of our Senators picked procedure over our sacred right to vote. 

“The Talmud teaches that anyone who witnesses harm and does not speak out is responsible. Our vote is our voice. We are obligated to ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot and have that vote counted. We will continue to mobilize NCJW advocates across the country until every eligible person has access to vote.

“We cannot and will not remain idle as the voice of the people is silenced.” 

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, education, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.