50 signatures reached
To: President Biden and the Department of Justice
Demand Federal Monitors at the Polls to Stop Right Wing Voter Suppression and Intimidation
We demand that President Biden and the Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately deploy federal election monitors under the Voting Rights Act to protect voters from widespread intimidation and suppression efforts during the 2024 election.
Trump and Elon Musk are revving up their base, stirring the pot with incendiary claims that echo the dangerous rhetoric leading up to the January 6th insurrection. They’re whipping their followers into a frenzy, using these baseless conspiracy theories to rationalize a new wave of voter theft and intimidation.
During the 2022 elections, armed MAGA militias descended on polling places, turning what should have been a peaceful democratic process into a scene of intimidation and fear. This hostile atmosphere has resulted in death threats against poll workers, casting a shadow over our electoral integrity. It’s clear: federal intervention is not just necessary—it’s urgent to safeguard our democracy and ensure that every voter can cast their ballot without fear in battleground states.
During the 2022 elections, armed MAGA militias descended on polling places, turning what should have been a peaceful democratic process into a scene of intimidation and fear. This hostile atmosphere has resulted in death threats against poll workers, casting a shadow over our electoral integrity. It’s clear: federal intervention is not just necessary—it’s urgent to safeguard our democracy and ensure that every voter can cast their ballot without fear in battleground states.
Why is this important?
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.
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 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.
How it will be delivered
We need you to join the fight. This is a moment to make our voices heard, loud and clear. Share this far and wide—on email lists, across social media, with everyone you know. Every message, every share, and every conversation can help protect the rights of voters who are being silenced.
Let’s make sure every single vote counts. Together, we can push back against intimidation and safeguard our democracy. We can’t do this alone—we need you.