Mayor Tishaura O. Jones to Participate in the National Nonpartisan Conversation on Voter Rights

Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones will participate in the National Nonpartisan Conversation on Voter Rights, adding St. Louis’ voice and support to this nationwide effort to stop and reverse the increasing effort to suppress voting rights. With federal voter rights’ efforts stalling due to obstruction in Congress, local officials are leading the way to protect access to the ballot box.

“One of the most powerful tools we have for accountability is the ability to vote,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “It is our duty as elected officials and citizens to remove the barriers that suppress access to registering to vote and participating in elections, especially among poor and Black and brown people.”

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot are convening stakeholders from across the country including mayors, legislators, county clerks, election administrators and community leaders to take a seat at the table of history and develop a framework for implementing national strategies to protect, defend and promote voter rights.

The National Nonpartisan Conversation on Voter Rights, taking place from Oct. 21-23 in Denver, will set a national action plan to end gerrymandering, ensure safe access to the ballot, and prevent partisan efforts that diminish voter access, especially in communities of color. For more information on the convening and program, visit denvergov.org/VoterRightsDenver.

In the 2021 legislative sessions alone, more than 400 bills with expansive provisions to restrict voter access have been introduced in 49 states. Nineteen states have already enacted laws this year that will make it harder for Americans to vote, in the most aggressive wave of voter restrictions our nation has seen in decades.