"A Republic, If You Can Keep It"
Elections are our greatest chance to participate in democracy, organize and build power.
During the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia PA in 1787, Maryland delegate James McHenry kept a journal detailing the events. During the last day of the Convention, September 17th, McHenry recorded an interaction between Philadelphia socialite Elizabeth Willing Powel and Dr. Benjamin Franklin, where Powel posed the question to Franklin, one of the proposed new nation's Founding Fathers;
"Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
Franklin responded, "A republic, if you can keep it."
On Independence Day 2024, with our system of government facing a range of serious threats, the message is this:
Never let anyone make you feel like your voice doesn't matter. Our system only works if regular our people come together and make our voices heard.
The 2024 elections have high stakes. In a world of escalating conflict, rising inequality, racial injustice, disinformation, and anti-democratic forces, all amid an ever-worsening climate crisis, a lot is on the line. Elections are our greatest chance to participate in democracy and to organize and build power. Friends acknowledge the indispensable role of government in safeguarding the integrity of our society and the essential dignity of every human being. Citizens have the responsibility to participate vigorously in making government more responsive, open, and accountable. Felony Murder Elimination Project encourages everyone to engage candidates and organizations that promote policy and legislation you believe in, help mobilize people to vote, volunteer to support access to the ballot, and help ensure fair and peaceful elections.
Take advantage of the early voting that is permitted in many states. Don’t assume your family, friends, and neighbors will vote. Particularly considering efforts in many states and localities to suppress voter turnout, your personal outreach to help others cast their ballots is tremendously important. The federal government has a site where you can register to vote, change your voter registration, and get information on congressional, state, and local elections.
We'll see you at the ballot box, and we thank you for your ongoing and passioned efforts to strengthen our communities and pursue a fairer and more just criminal justice system.
