If you or someone you love is LGBTQ+ on this campus, sign this petition to take necessary steps in making UPG safer and actually inclusive. 

If a felon can be elected to office, as has been demonstrated by recent examples, it highlights the inconsistency in denying voting rights to others with similar records. It shows that individuals with criminal convictions can hold positions of leadership and public trust, which logically should extend to their right to vote and influence policy. The right to vote is a fundamental part of democracy. Excluding felons from voting creates a two-tiered system, where some Americans are denied a voice in the decisions that affect them, even though they live and work in their communities post-incarceration. Denying felons voting rights sends a message that they are not full citizens, which undermines the principles of equality and justice.   Allowing felons to vote supports their reintegration into society by encouraging civic engagement and responsibility. Studies show that when individuals have a stake in their community, including through voting, they are more likely to contribute positively and less likely to reoffend. Felony disenfranchisement disproportionately impacts Black and Latino communities due to systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Restoring voting rights is a step toward addressing these racial inequities, giving historically marginalized groups a stronger voice in policies that directly affect them. Felony disenfranchisement laws date back to post-Reconstruction efforts aimed at reducing the political power of African Americans. Ending these restrictions strengthens democracy by ensuring that all voices, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are included in the political process. In summary, this petition advocates for fair treatment of all citizens and aligns with democratic values. Restoring voting rights to felons not only addresses inconsistencies in our political system but also promotes rehabilitation and community integration, making democracy stronger and more inclusive.

This is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democracy and rule of law.

Fascism isn’t a term to throw around lightly, but experts agree that Trump has demonstrated the traits of a fascist leader. And his longest serving chief of staff from his first term recently shared that Trump "met the definition of a fascist, would govern like a dictator if allowed, and had no understanding of the Constitution or the concept of rule of law." In these weeks before Donald Trump takes office, we must loudly prove that we will remain resolute against his many deceitful, dangerous attempts to stoke fascism and further divide our country.  We’ve seen how powerful Trump’s lies are—as soon as he lost the election in 2020, he began a smear campaign to discredit our democracy and free and fair elections. Now, he claims he should have never left the White House in 2021—straight from the authoritarian playbook. We have no choice but to do everything possible to resist further power grabs and fight back against Trump's fascist agenda.

Donald Trump's Project 2025 agenda makes clear his plans for a second presidency–to divide communities, replace civil servants with MAGA extremists, defund critical government agencies, and strip away our fundamental rights.  The stakes couldn't be higher. And with Trump having declared that he’ll be a “dictator on day one,” Biden must do everything in his power to preserve our democracy and mitigate the harm vulnerable communities may experience under Trump's authoritarian rule. 

Elon Musk used his immense wealth and power to help elect Donald Trump. At the same time, he’s leading a company (SpaceX) that’s gaining a dangerous amount of power as a U.S. defense contractor. (1) Once Musk has a role in the Trump admin, he may very well be “regulating” the agencies who are in charge of regulating his own companies and doling out billions of dollars of federal contracts. (2) Before Trump takes power, the Biden administration must cut off Elon Musk’s billions in federal defense contracts. Sign the petition: Tell President Biden to end federal defense contracts with Elon Musk’s companies! Since 2020, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has secured 22 space missions from the Pentagon worth $2.5 billion. (3) Musk’s company is currently competing with other corporate giants for even more defense contracts. Now, under Trump, Musk plans to cut government spending while in charge of “reducing government waste and needles regulation.” (4) Our taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be helping to enrich a man readying to entangle himself in massive conflicts of interest. End Musk’s defense contracts now! Add your name: Urge President Biden to end Musk’s defense contracts before it’s too late. SOURCES: 1. Quartz, “Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos might be entrusted with America's national security space missions,” June 14, 2024. 2. New York Times, “U.S. Agencies Fund, and Fight With, Elon Musk. A Trump Presidency Could Give Him Power Over Them.” October 20, 2024. 3. Quartz, “Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos might be entrusted with America's national security space missions,” June 14, 2024. 4. NBC News, “ Elon Musk asks voters to brace for economic 'hardship,' deep spending cuts in potential Trump Cabinet role,” October 30, 2024.

This is important because in their version of America “We, The People” is no longer relevant. And as an advocate for The People, I can’t in good conscience allow this to happen. And nor should you. This is their intention as per explained by Southern Poverty Law Center in their June 2024 report: https://www.splcenter.org/anti-abortion-movement Elon drove this home with his purchase and manipulation of his social media platform by allowing them to use “Your Body, My Rights” as a campaign slogan promoted there.  Please help stop this. 

Vice President Harris confronted the hate, vitriol, and threats repeatedly spewed by Donald Trump, JD Vance, and MAGA Republicans. She did it because she believed in the promise of this country and the power of joy, community, and unity over fear and divisiveness.  Our movements are and always have been about more than a single election. Our fight to expose racism, white supremacy, and misogyny that this country was founded on, confront the powerful and wealthy elite, and resist hate meant to isolate and divide us—and instead dream and chart a better path forward—continues. It continues because of the tireless work of the movement leaders who came before us and the movement leaders of today—everyday people who endured the worst of this country and still believed in each other and the possibilities of the future. It continues because of the possibilities seeded by Kamala Harris—the hope she inspired in millions of people who saw themselves and their loved ones in her campaign, and the fire she ignited in the 67 million people who voted for the future that we still deserve.  Progress doesn’t happen overnight, and it is often faced with backlash. We appreciate Kamala Harris and the Black women and other women of color who faced that backlash head on this election. Who pushed forward. And who reminded us that our families and communities are worth fighting for every time.  We will keep fighting.  Thank you.

We still live in a democracy. But Project 2025 wants to change that.  Project 2025 will further erode abortion access, implement mass deportations, reverse birthright citizenship, roll back LGBTQ+ rights, and dismantle public education. Disturbingly, it seeks to give Trump control over currently independent federal agencies, like the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But it gets worse.  There's a "fourth pillar" that the architects of Project 2025 have refused to release that could completely overhaul the executive branch of government. We have to be prepared.  Trump and MAGA Republicans want us to feel defeated. But we sit on the shoulders of giants who have endured the worst of this country and still fought for its promise. This is a dark chapter in U.S. history. But together, we can make sure it's not the final chapter.  This is not 2016. We know what we're up against. Add your name to the petition to demand elected leaders show up with political courage to fight back against every policy, every nomination, and every bill that threatens our collective future. Project 2025 will not chart the future of this country. Together, we can make sure of that. 

Enhanced security measures at stores are crucial for residents of Vancouver, WA, and surrounding communities because they directly impact safety and well-being. Recent incidents of violence have heightened fears among families, making it essential to foster a secure environment for shopping and leisure activities. By implementing stronger security protocols, we can help deter crime, protect our loved ones, and restore confidence in our local businesses. A safe shopping experience not only encourages community engagement but also supports the local economy by attracting more visitors. Ultimately, prioritizing safety will enhance the quality of life for all residents, making our communities a better place to spend time with family/friends and work.

Organizations like True the Vote are waging a war on democracy, challenging the rights of over 850,000 Americans—primarily targeting communities of color and young voters. My new film, Vigilantes Inc: America's New Voter Suppression Hitmen, reveals the alarming reality of armed vigilantes in Texas who have been intimidating voters and creating a climate of fear. In states like Arizona, poll watchers dressed in tactical gear are patrolling ballot drop boxes, turning what should be a safe space for civic engagement into a battleground of intimidation. Meanwhile, in Georgia, True the Vote has purged thousands of voters from the rolls and is poised to challenge millions more nationwide—threatening to disenfranchise enough legal voters to swing election outcomes. This is Jim Crow 2.0.  The Department of Justice must enforce the KKK Act of 1870 to prosecute these brazen acts of voter intimidation, but that’s just scratching the surface. With 44,000 self-appointed vigilantes mobilized to confront voters and a disturbing rise in political violence fueled by disinformation, we need federal monitors on the ground to protect election integrity. The presence of armed groups at polling places doesn’t just undermine public confidence; it puts voter safety at risk and suppresses turnout, as we saw in the 2022 midterms. The Brennan Center for Justice has identified ten states at high risk of disruption: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. Federal election monitors are essential to ensure that voters in these states—and beyond—are shielded from harassment and can cast their ballots without fear. Attorney General Merrick Garland has made promises to protect election integrity, but now we need action. Voters should not have to dread exercising their constitutional rights. Armed intimidation, mass voter purges, and harassment driven by disinformation have no place in our elections. Sign this petition to demand that President Biden and the DOJ deploy federal monitors at polling stations nationwide and enforce existing laws to protect the right to vote. Our democracy is hanging in the balance, and we must act now.

This opportunity is important because it will positively impact the future of Valley Stream. The $10 million investment via the DRI, combined with community support, will transform downtown Valley Stream. Please show your support for our DRI application by signing this petition. Thank you!