DC Vote Continues to Push for a Clean DC Voting Rights Act

March 24, 2009

Washington, DC - DC Vote, their coalition partners and volunteers are working overtime to deliver a clean DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157). Supporters of the measure have launched an advocacy and advertising campaign this week to fight against an amendment to repeal DC's gun laws. A similar amendment passed in the Senate on February 26.

"We aren't taking anything for granted as Congress continues to debate the bill," said Ilir Zherka, DC Vote Executive Director. "We'll continue to work overtime to defeat a gun amendment."

Zherka said the strategy includes national print, online and radio ads calling for a clean bill. Advocates in the District and across the nation are being asked to contact Congress to urge them to reject harmful amendments to the legislation.

One ad running on local and national blogs tells residents, "don't let the NRA hold our democracy hostage."

"It's a stark message meant to get attention," said Zherka. "And, frankly, it's an accurate statement. The pro-gun lobby wants Congress to overlook the fact that this is a civil rights issue. They want to turn the DC Voting Rights Act into a vehicle for gun rights in an effort to derail the bill. It's unacceptable and we're doing all we can to fight back."

In addition to the online advertising, DC Vote is running radio ads in key states to garner support from constituents for the issue. The advocacy group is also running print ads in Hill publications, sending letters to Congress and circulating an online advocacy alert - urging support for a clean bill.

"Twenty people recently signed onto DC Vote's Open Letter to Congress," said Zherka. "These nationally-recognized individuals are elected officials, civil rights leaders, union and community group leaders. All want the same thing - a clean DC Voting Rights Act. And that's what we'll continue to push for."

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