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Citizens of Richmond to Hold Rally at Chevron Headquarters to Demand End to Dual Threat of Money in Politics and Voter Suppression

Jan. 14, 2013

Citizens of Richmond to Hold Rally at Chevron Headquarters to Demand End to Dual Threat of Money in Politics and Voter Suppression

Events Across Nation Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Third Anniversary of Citizens United, Demand ‘Money Out, Voters In’

Jan. 14, 2013

WHAT: A rally and demonstration to demand an end to the growing threat to our democracy posed by unlimited corporate spending in elections and voter suppression.

After meeting at the BART station, community members will march to Washington Park in Point Richmond for a lively rally with speakers and entertainment. The group will then regroup at the Chevron refinery gates to create a human billboard and stage a non-violent demonstration. If there is bad weather, participants will meet at the Chevron refinery gates at 1 p.m. (841 Chevron Way, Richmond, Calif.).

Chevron donated substantial amounts of money to both local and national campaigns, attempting to influence all levels of government. Chevron’s major contributor status has strong implications for economic and environmental policies that are proposed and supported in both the local city council as well as Congress.

Protesters in Richmond are part of a nationwide movement called “Money Out, Voters In” that includes events taking place on and around the weekend of Jan. 19. Activists in more than 70 towns and cities are rallying to demand lawmakers pass measures that limit the corrosive influence of money in politics and expand democratic participation at the polls. Money Out, Voters In is made up of a broad coalition of groups including Public Citizen, NAACP, U.S. PIRG, Common Cause, Organic Consumers Association, League of United Latin American Citizens, Hip Hop Caucus and more.

These actions come as the country is witnessing a groundswell of support for improving our democracy. So far, 11 states and more than 350 communities have formally called on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision. In addition, more than 100 members of Congress have expressed support for an amendment, as has President Barack Obama.

Find information about the nationwide events at www.moneyout-votersin.org.

WHERE: Richmond BART station, 1700 Nevin Ave. Richmond, Calif.

WHEN: 12 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19

WHO: Common Cause, Richmond Progressive Alliance, Urban Tilth, West County Toxics Coalition, Occupy Richmond, ACCE, Communities for a Better Environment, United Native Americans, Decolonize Oakland, Labor Black & Brown, APEN, Global Exchange, MoveOn, CREDO, Public Citizen, Occupy SF Environmental Justice Working Group

VISUALS: Participants will turn themselves into human billboards as they line the streets in front of the Chevron refinery gates. This will also be the site of the demonstration.