Thousands Demonstrate for Democracy Reforms April 16-18

U.S. PIRG

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, thousands of protesters arrived in Washington, D.C., for Democracy Awakening, a three-day mobilization featuring demonstrations, teach-ins, and congressional advocacy. Organized and supported by a coalition of more than 290 organizations, Democracy Awakening protests the undue influence of money in politics and barriers to voting, urging solutions to ensure that all Americans have a fair voice in our elections. A full agenda is available here.

Statement from Dan Smith, Democracy Campaign Director, U.S. PIRG:

“Our democracy should be about big ideas, not big checks. Right now, our campaign finance system encourages candidates and lawmakers to spend their time courting mega-donors and special interests while everyday voters are left on the sidelines of our elections. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

“This weekend, thousands of Americans from across the country are taking a stand for solutions at Democracy Awakening. Protesters from all walks of life are here because democracy isn’t an ideological issue, it’s an all of us issue. If we want to address our nation’s greatest challenges, our first job is putting voters in control of our elections.”

Statement from Emma Boorboor, Elections Reform Campaign Director, U.S. PIRG:

“Every American – Democrat, Republican, or independent – has a fundamental right to have their vote counted.  But this year, new restrictions on voting access, cuts to polling locations, and outdated registration systems are shutting voters out of the democratic process. We can and must do better.”

“At this weekend’s mobilization, thousands of Americans are taking a stand for fair access to the polls. As this year’s elections heat up, it’s not an issue we can afford to ignore.”

More than 200 groups representing a diverse array of issues are organizing Democracy Awakening. Lead organizations include U.S. PIRG, the American Postal Workers Union, Common Cause, Communications Workers of America, Democracy Initiative, Every Voice Center, Food & Water Watch, Franciscan Action Network, Greenpeace, NAACP, People For the American Way, Public Citizen, and Student Debt Crisis. A list of all endorsing organizations is available here.

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U.S. PIRG, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security, or our right to fully participate in our democratic society.