Today, Mailchimp joined with more than 160 companies to call on Congress to introduce and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA). We’ve signed on to support the VRAA because it’s our civic duty as a major employer to support voting rights, education, and access for everyone. We believe voting should be safe, accessible, and easy. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore and strengthen Americans’ freedom to vote by preventing discriminatory laws from being implemented in the first place.
Mailchimp was founded and is headquartered in Atlanta, in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District, which was represented by John Lewis for 33 years. Though he led a life of distinction, Congressman Lewis is best remembered for his tireless activism in support of voting rights for Black people and against voter suppression and disenfranchisement. He suffered serious injuries and was arrested dozens of times as he protested against injustice. He believed so strongly in the power of the vote and the right of all Americans to exercise it that he was willing to put his own life at risk.
Saturday, July 17 will mark the first anniversary of Congressman Lewis's passing. We urge Congress to honor his outstanding legacy by introducing and passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
For more information, to get involved, and to see the full letter to Congress, visit https://www.businessforvotingrights.com/. Learn more about Mailchimp's history of supporting voter access and education here and read our statement about Georgia's Election Integrity Act, SB202, here.
Published July 14, 2021.
Portrait taken during Congressman Lewis's visit to Mailchimp's Atlanta headquarters on May 6, 2016.