06/01/20 -“This can’t be normal. We can and must be better.” VOTE Tuesday and take action!
Our hearts are shattered again by the horrific murder of an unarmed African-American by police. George Floyd was arrested in Minneapolis for an alleged non-violent offense, handcuffed, pinned to the ground by 4 officers, one with his hands in his pockets as he pressed his knee pressed into Mr. Floyd’s neck while Floyd pleaded he could not breathe. Not one officer changed course and only one officer was arrested four days after the incident. President Obama wrote, “..we have to remember that for millions of Americans, being treated differently on account of race is tragically, painfully, maddeningly “normal” -- whether it’s while dealing with the health care system or interacting with the criminal justice system, or jogging down the street, or just watching birds in a park.”
What can we do to join the struggle for justice and to stop endemic racism? Take action now to educate, support, donate. The national Indivisible team has put together a resource for taking actions in solidarity with Minneapolis. Visit their Resource Page now to see how you can contribute to creating a more just society for all.
June 2 Voting
As you know, many counties in Missouri have been denied the right to vote absentee on June 2 for local elections. Despite entreaties to keep Missouri voters safe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has refused to allow all residents to vote absentee during this pandemic crisis. Our unelected Governor, Mike Parson, shockingly told Missourians if you don’t feel safe just don’t vote! All elections including local elections are important! As we head to the polls, let’s make sure we are safe. Wear our masks, stay at a safe distance from others, bring our own pens, use hand sanitizer, and become familiar with the ballot before entering so we can vote quickly. Take pictures of yourself in your mask to post online, and especially take pictures if you see unsafe behavior around you. Post your pictures with the hashtag #thanksParson. Leaders who imposed unsafe voting must be held accountable!
Do you know your polling location? Your normal polling place may have changed. You should have received a letter in the mail informing you where to vote this Tuesday. If you haven’t received this, you can check your polling place by contacting your local election authority. You can also vote absentee in person at the election authority until 5 p.m. on Monday June 1.
Do you know what will be on your ballot? Familiarity with issues and candidates on the ballot will help you vote more quickly. See ballot information for Jackson County or Kansas City. For other counties, contact your local election board to see a sample ballot.
Governor Parson has not yet signed SB 631, which will allow more people, especially those most at risk, to vote absentee or by mail in the 2020 August and November elections. See this chart for more information about who will be able to vote by mail if the Governor signs this bill. Call Governor Parson at (573) 751-3222 to demand he sign SB 631 NOW!
More questions about voting? Call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.
THANK YOU! taking action against systemic racism and for exercising your right to VOTE! We need YOU in the coming weeks to continue actions defending Clean Missouri, protecting our right to vote, and join get out the vote (GOTV) efforts for candidates and campaigns! We MUST make sure Nicole Galloway replaces Mike Parson as our next Governor, help elect Alissia Canady as our next Lieutenant Governor, replace Secy. of State Ashcroft, and more!
As of 2 p.m May 31 there are 13,147 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri and the number is still rising. This is far from over.
