May 17, 2016--In the days since a group of activists, in conjunction with local organizations, celebrities, and concerned individuals, announced a protest at Los Angeles City Hall meant to draw attention to voter suppression, the nation has watched a stunning display of party-sanctioned disenfranchisement take place at the Nevada state Democratic convention. State party officials, namely Nevada Democratic party chair Roberta Lange, allowed for an unusual rule change which affected the outcome of the delegate distribution. The organizers of Wednesday’s #FightForYourVote sit-in and the following day’s march and rally point to this as evidence that California must address irregularities on the voter rolls ahead of the state’s June 7th primary.

“The shocking display of disenfranchisement of the voters in Nevada at the Democratic Convention is one reason we are here today,” says actress and activist Frances Fisher. “What we are asking for is that Secretary of State Alex Padilla be vigilant, and investigate the various issues that could prevent people from voting their will here in California.”

According to the LA Times, when asked about issues which could keep Californians from voting for their preferred candidate, Sec. Padilla said only, "We should work with advocates and simplify the process.”

“Our purpose is simple,” states Jeremy White, candidate for US House of Representatives in Congressional District 28. “The citizens of California, as well as Nevada, New York, Arizona, and every other state, deserve to have their votes counted and their voices heard.”

White, who is running as a write-in candidate and adheres to Bernie Sanders’ platform, continues, “If states force the parties to open their primaries to all voters and implement same-day voter registration, many of these problems could be prevented. We should seek to make voting easier, not more difficult.”

Fisher and White will be joined by artist Donny Miller, rapper Kor Element, and other guests on May 18 as they gather at LA City Hall for the planned sit-in. The group will occupy the space for 24 hours, then march to the Ronald Reagan State Building and rally to make their demands.

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