Issue One to Senate: Guarantee that every eligible American can vote in the 2020 elections

Congress should include funding for states in the Phase III Stimulus bill to give every voter the choice of voting early and voting by mail

Group launches social media ad campaign in targeted states across the country

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As the Senate reconvenes this morning to negotiate the “Phase III” supplemental COVID-19 stimulus bill, Issue One is helping lead a bipartisan push for strong support to ensure functional elections in 2020. 

“States need funding right now for measures like early voting and vote-by-mail. This isn’t the time to play politics or move slowly. Congress must act now,” said Issue One ReFormers Caucus Co-chair Zach Wamp (R-TN).

“Americans need to have confidence that their elections were conducted in a safe, secure, and honest manner. This critical priority is fundamental to our constitutional system, especially in a time of crisis,” Wamp added. 

Issue One is generating grassroots support for federal funding to the states, placing several thousand dollars worth of social media buys in Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and in Congress and the Washington, D.C. area, calling for action.

A bipartisan group of secretaries of state have already joined together to urge Congress to include at least $2 billion in the third stimulus bill so states can begin preparing now for the November contests. 

“Numerous state election administrators from both parties have warned members of the House and Senate about the danger of inaction,” said Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee. “It is time for Congress to heed the call and join together to ensure a safe, free, and fair election.”

Without proper funding, state systems are likely to be overwhelmed in November. If included in the final Phase III bill, funds would be distributed by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) directly to the states to cover increased production, distribution, and postage costs of vote-by-mail ballots and expanded early voting. 

Issue One has been in close contact with both Republican and Democratic offices to guarantee a secure general election this fall, and will continue these outreach efforts through the conclusion of Phase III stimulus negotiations and beyond.