Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) joined Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Colin Allred (TX-32), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), and Marc Veasey (TX-33) in introducing the Sustaining Our Democracy Act. This bill would provide $20 billion in mandatory federal funding over the next decade to help states and local governments support election administration, including by training and recruiting nonpartisan poll workers and election officials and increasing access to voting in underserved communities. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

“Over the past two years, extremist politicians have sought to undermine trust in our elections to serve their own craven political ambitions,” said Rep. Sewell. “Across the nation, local election administrators have borne the brunt of this assault which threatens the very fabric of our democracy. By providing a steady stream of funding for election administration, the Sustaining Our Democracy Act would ensure that states and localities have the resources they need to administer free and fair elections. In doing so, it would help restore much-needed trust in the democratic process. As state legislatures continue their assault on the right to vote, enacting federal voting rights legislation continues to be my top priority!”

“Georgia's non-partisan election workers are instrumental to free elections,” said Rep. Nikema Williams, lead sponsor. “We must keep it that way. Elections and election workers in Georgia are under furious assault by the former President and Republicans who want to silence Black and brown voters. My bill will help hardworking local elections officials have all the resources they need to defend our democracy. With the very soul of the country at sake, there are no two sides to this issue. You are either on the side of democracy or you aren't.”  

“Nothing is more important than the integrity of our democracy, and our election administration should be efficient and free from partisan interference,” said Rep. Colin Allred. “As a former voting rights attorney, I know that our free and fair elections are what set American democracy apart, and we must protect it. It’s why I am proud to help lead this bill that will invest in election security and help eligible voters cast their ballot.”

“Too many communities lack the funding to maintain their election infrastructure, leading to errors that degrade trust in and restrict access to our elections,” said Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux. “This legislation ensures local elections boards have predictable and consistent funding. As someone who has seen firsthand how dangerous it can be when election systems fail us, this funding will ensure we don’t face the same breakdowns we experienced across Georgia in 2018 and 2020.”

“With this year’s midterm election cycle already underway, we are reminded how important it is for Congress to provide adequate funding to support both our nation’s electoral system and election officials who ensure the durability and integrity of our democratic process,” said Rep. Marc Veasey. “That is why it is critical we continue investing in our aging voting infrastructure and provide much-needed funding to assist election officials and poll workers. As Co-Chair of the Voting Rights Caucus, I’ll keep supporting reasonable efforts that ensure Americans cast their votes.”

“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, but in recent years we have seen a barrage of threats seeking to undermine our elections,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “It is critical that we respond to these threats head-on by ensuring that state and local governments have the resources needed to strengthen the administration of our elections, protect election officials on the frontlines, and provide all eligible voters with the opportunity to make their voices heard. From training more election workers to expanding polling places to making it easier for voters to cast ballots early and by mail, this legislation helps provide state and local governments with the funding they need to effectively administer elections and eliminate barriers to voting. I’ll keep fighting to make our democracy work for every American.”

The Sustaining our Democracy Act enjoys the support of 23 original cosponsors in the House of Representatives. It is endorsed by numerous organizations including: National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC, End Citizens United/Let America Vote, Common Cause, Fair Fight Action, National Action Network, Spread the Vote, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and Asian American Advocacy Fund.

Click here for the text of the Sustaining our Democracy Act.