PRESS RELEASE: John Lewis “Good Trouble” Voting Rights Campaign

Alongside the forthcoming documentary about John Lewis by Participant and Magnolia Pictures, VoteRiders will educate and assist citizens with voter ID and encourage civic participation

ATLANTA (June 19, 2020) – Our mission — and our very name — was inspired by true American heroes like Representative John Lewis and the Freedom Riders, who put everything on the line for equal access to the ballot box. It is therefore our tremendous honor to launch the social impact campaign for the John Lewis: Good Trouble documentary with Participant and Magnolia Pictures.

On Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom and a time when voters nationwide are concerned about systemic racial injustice in American elections, this film tells the story of Congressman John Lewis’ fight for equality and voting rights. As he puts it, causing “good trouble.” Voter ID laws are an increasingly restrictive and confusing barrier to voting. These laws disproportionately impact voters of color. Roughly 8 million – 25 percent! – of voting-age Black Americans do not have a current, government-issued photo ID, compared to a national average of 11% of all eligible voters.

“We’re proud to celebrate the iconic legacy of Congressman John Lewis in partnership with some of the leading voices in the fight for all our democratic principles,” said David Linde, CEO of Participant. “Together, we’re excited to make some good trouble, support disenfranchised communities in fully participating in their democratic rights and raise awareness about the power of every vote.”

As part of the Good Trouble Campaign, VoteRiders will partner with Participant to host screenings of the film and provide opportunities to participate in voter ID education and assistance efforts.

VoteRiders’ COO Shannon H. Anderson said,

“Today we need to channel the tireless spirit, the strength, the hope, the clarity of Representative Lewis more than ever before. This infusion of courage to do the right thing in the face of all obstacles could not come at a more critical moment. We have to be willing to give everything we have — every minute, every dollar, every resource — to ensure that we are on the right side of history. We must be willing to get into some “good trouble” together.”

The fight to guarantee the right to vote for every American is more important than ever. VoteRiders encourages people to get into “good trouble” and make sure every eligible citizen has the ID and information they need to vote, confident that they cannot be denied an equal voice in their future.