This year members of Dr. King’s immediate family have called on Biden and the Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and ensure the filibuster doesn't stand in the way.

They’ve asked that in lieu of traditional celebrations of Rev. Dr. King Jr. Day, communities across the nation use that time to advocate for equal access to voting for all.  The 24th Annual MLK Celebration is dedicated to every person, organization, group, business, and elected and appointed leaders who believe in, and will begin or continue to champion the equal rights in voting for everyone in these United States.

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What is happening on January 17th in support of equal access to voting?

Martin Luther King III, his wife Arndrea Waters King and their daughter Yolanda Renee King plan to mobilize activists on MLK weekend to push for Biden and Congress to apply the same efforts to federal voting rights bills that they used to pass the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. They hope to send the message: "you delivered for bridges, now deliver for voting rights."

"President Biden and Congress used their political muscle to deliver a vital infrastructure deal, and now we are calling on them to do the same to restore the very voting rights protections my father and countless other civil rights leaders bled to secure,"

Martin Luther King III said in a statement Wednesday, adding that they "will not accept empty promises in pursuit of my father's dream for a more equal and just America."

What do these pieces of legislation aim to achieve?

Under the Freedom to Vote Act, Congress would set minimum standards for early and mail-in voting, make Election Day a national holiday and allow requirements that voters produce identification, though the I.D. provision would be less restrictive than those Republicans have imposed. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act seeks to restore elements of the landmark Voting Rights Act weakened by two Supreme Court decisions.

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Both pieces of legislation have been blocked by Senate Republicans, and Senate Democrats have so far declined to change the rules that require 60 votes for most bills to advance. The Senate is evenly split at 50-50.

How can I advocate for equal voting access?

Learn more about these pieces of legislation and how to apply positive pressure to ensure equal access to voting

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Advocate for the Freedom to Vote Act

Advocate for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act