Today is National Voter Registration Day and MOVE Texas is hosting more than 50 drives all across Texas to register thousands of new voters in the wake of egregious restrictions on the freedom to vote enacted earlier this year. These restrictions were enacted despite the intense opposition of thousands upon thousands of Texans who showed up at the state capitol to make their voices heard. For National Voter Registration Day, MOVE Texas is converting the righteous outrage over these restrictions on the freedom to vote into real political power by registering new voters and bringing previously disengaged Texans into the political process.

MOVE Texas will also end the day with a livestream celebration featuring artists, activists and other partner organizations.

MOVE Texas Action Fund Executive Director Claudia Yoli Ferla issued the following statement:

“When the established authority has a demonstrated interest in preventing certain people from voting, voting becomes not just our civic duty, but a noble and necessary act of civil disobedience. Today is about reclaiming the power of the people from the cynical and self serving politicians who would see it wrested from us permanently.

“This National Voter Registration Day, we are honoring the radical legacy of the voting rights movement in this country. The spirit of defiance that has throughout history repelled the most odious threats to our democracy is again gripping our nation—and it is in that spirit today that we are organizing across the state."

“Anti-voter Texas Lawmakers have shown through their legislative priorities that they do not want certain people to register or certain people to vote. In response, we are registering thousands of new voters and turning out even more in the coming election season. Today marks just the beginning of an enduring campaign to build up and empower young and diverse Texans from all walks of life. To build a base of organizers and activists who can feel a sense of ownership in the democracy they’ll help save."

“Ours is a movement that includes even those of us who cannot vote because we’re too young, or because we’re returning citizens, or because we’re not citizens at all. Take it from me, we can still make a lasting, positive impact in our communities even if we cannot vote. We can still empower, educate, engage, organize and mobilize the people around us. On this NVRD, we also celebrate the hard work of young organizers across the state who fight tirelessly for a better tomorrow. These young Texans carry on the legacy of those who came before us in the fight for the freedom to vote and their work this year has been nothing short of inspiring."

“It’s going to take all of us to undo the damage that has been done to our state. But, believe me, we will do it.”