Michelle Obama’s ‘When We All Vote’ Group Backs Expanding Voting Options for 2020

Voter suppression is an issue that needs to be addressed, especially during a presidential election year. Former first lady Michelle Obama is fighting to expand the electorate through her “When We All Vote” campaign, which pushes for better access to voting by way of mail, early in-person voting, and online voter registration. With the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the support for these measures is to promote fair and safe access to the 2020 primaries and general election while granting every American the right to cast their ballot safely and without unnecessary risk. 

“Americans should never have to choose between making their voices heard and keeping themselves and their families safe. We know that barriers to voting existed before this crisis, especially for young people and communities of color. Expanding access to vote-by-mail, online voter registration and early voting are critical steps for this moment— and they’re long overdue. There is nothing partisan about striving to live up to the promise of our country; making the democracy we all cherish more accessible; and protecting our neighbors, friends and loved ones as they participate in this cornerstone of American life,” said When We All Vote Co-Chair Michelle Obama.

“If the U.S. expects to lead the world in conducting free and fair elections, then we owe it to our citizens to do everything in our power to make sure our elections are safe and fair for everyone. Our mission as an organization is to change the culture around voting and help increase voter participation in every election by closing the race and age gap. So it’s our responsibility to help all voters exercise their right to vote, and to give them the best information on exactly how to do that. It’s also our responsibility to advocate for fair and safe access to our elections,” said Valerie Jarrett, When We All Vote Board Chair.

When We All Vote will encourage Americans to: 

1. Take Action: Join the movement to advocate for these principles and ensure voters are educated about how they can register and vote. 
2. Get Informed: Learn about the voting policies in their states and get to know their options for registering and voting-by-mail.
3. Share with three Friends: Let them know how to get registered to vote, vote early in-person or vote-by-mail. Check out these voter resources for more information. 
4. Call or email their federal legislators and let them know they support expanding access to vote-by-mail.