Free & Fair Elections

Voting Rights & Access

The right to vote is sacred and protected under the Constitution. We push back against efforts to limit access to the ballot box and work to renew, strengthen, and expand Americans’ freedom to vote through legislation such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Featured Work

Reports

Prioritizing Achievable Federal Election Reform

Building on existing agreements to bring Republicans and Democrats together to pass key bipartisan election reforms...

Introduction Stark partisan dividing lines in Congress currently distract from potential areas of common ground in fostering an election system that puts voters first by being fair, accessible, secure, and…

Press releases

Issue One CEO and Founder Nick Penniman responds to VRAA filibuster

In response to the Republican filibuster of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Issue One CEO and Founder Nick Penniman issued the following statement: “It’s a sad day…

Press releases

“Inaction at this consequential time in our history would be harmful and detrimental to the country,” says National Council On Election Integrity regarding the Freedom to Vote Act

Last week, Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Raphael Warnock…

Press releases

Issue One ReFormers Caucus co-chairs applaud bipartisan momentum on the Voting Rights Act

In response to the letter from Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) sent to congressional leadership in both chambers urging Congress to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act,…

Press releases

National Council on Election Integrity urges action ahead of key vote on the Freedom to Vote Act

In advance of the Senate’s key vote today on the Freedom to Vote Act, the National Council on Election Integrity issued the following statement: “Now more than ever, we need…

Press releases

Issue One ReFormers Caucus Co-chairs Zach Wamp (R-TN) and Tim Roemer (D-IN) urge Congress to protect voting rights on anniversary of signing of Voting Rights Act of 1965

The United States will celebrate an important voting rights milestone later this week: Friday marks the 56th anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which President Lyndon Johnson…

Press releases

Issue One statement on Senator Joe Manchin’s call for bipartisan democracy reform and the passage of Georgia’s election proposals

Issue One issued the following statement in response to Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) call for bipartisan democracy reform and the passage of SB 202 in the Georgia House of Representatives:…

policy

Protecting the right to vote

It’s time for Congress to once again act to protect one of our most fundamental and sacred rights: the freedom to vote.

Featured Press

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NPR: There are election reforms that both Democrats and Republicans seem to like

The Hill: Protecting the freedom to vote should be a bipartisan issue

Chicago Tribune: Americans deserve democracy reforms. Senate should allow a filibuster exception

The Hill: Congress can honor the legacy of John Lewis with voting rights protections

The Latest on Voting Rights & Access

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Jan 19, 2022

Press releases

Issue One calls on senators to pass key bipartisan election reforms

“Democrats and Republicans must find a bipartisan path forward,” said Issue One’s CEO and Founder Nick Penniman....

Following this evening’s Republican filibuster in the Senate on the Freedom To Vote: John R. Lewis Act, Issue One CEO and Founder Nick Penniman issued the following statement: “Tomorrow begins…

Jan 17, 2022

Press releases

To Honor the Life of MLK, Congress Must Pass Voting Rights Bill

As the nation reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Issue One CEO and Founder Nick Penniman released the following statement: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated…

Jan 11, 2022

Press releases

Issue One Founder and CEO calls for action following President Biden’s voting rights speech

Following today’s remarks by President Joe Biden on the need for Senate action on critical democracy reforms, Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman issued the following statement: “We are…

Jan 06, 2022

Press releases

National Council on Election Integrity remembers Jan. 6 and the ongoing attack on our democracy

On the one-year anniversary of the attack on our U.S. Capitol, the bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity, made up of government, political, and civic leaders who are devoted to…

Dec 09, 2021

Press releases

Democracy Summit statement from Issue One CEO Nick Penniman

"Our democracy is under assault. President Biden’s emphasis on democracy abroad is important, but it is not enough."...

As the White House convenes leaders from around the world for their first-ever Democracy Summit aimed at galvanizing countries to defend against authoritarianism, Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman…

Dec 08, 2021

In the media

Boston Globe: Biden wants to buttress democracy abroad. Advocates want him to do more at home

Quotes former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Issue One board member and member of the National Council on Election Integrity

Nov 03, 2021

Op-eds

The Hill: Protecting the freedom to vote should be a bipartisan issue

By National Council on Election Integrity, ReFormers Caucus, and Issue One board member, former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL)

Nov 03, 2021

Press releases

Issue One CEO and Founder Nick Penniman responds to VRAA filibuster

In response to the Republican filibuster of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Issue One CEO and Founder Nick Penniman issued the following statement: “It’s a sad day…

Nov 03, 2021

Press releases

Issue One board member Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and ReFormers Caucus Co-chair Amb. Tim Roemer (D-IN) urge Senate to support VRAA in key vote

In advance of a key Senate vote expected today on the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and following the announcement of a bipartisan compromise between Senators Patrick Leahy…

Oct 29, 2021

Op-eds

Chicago Tribune: Americans deserve democracy reforms. Senate should allow a filibuster exception

Op-ed by National Council on Election Integrity members Sen. Tom Daschle and Sec. Chuck Hagel