The CW Launches New, Nonpartisan Initiative to Support and Protect the Freedom to Vote

On the 56th anniversary of the monumental Voting Rights Act of 1965, The CW is launching a new, nonpartisan initiative entitled “Freedom to Vote,” to help promote eligible voter protection and remove barriers to voting, it was announced today by Mark Pedowitz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The CW. The effort builds on the network’s 2020 “Vote Actually” campaign that helped to encourage millions of young people to be ready to vote and make their voices heard.

The new CW campaign is being developed in partnership with nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations including the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, dedicated to securing equal justice for all through the rule of law; and Vote.org, the largest voting registration and get-out-the-vote technology platform in America.

Among The CW talent featured in the multiplatform campaign, which kicks off today, include Sam Adegoke (“Dynasty“), Tala Ashe (“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow“), Brec Bassinger (“Stargirl“), Coby Bell (“Walker“), Kaylee Bryant (“Legacies“), Melonie Diaz (“Charmed“), Liz Gillies (“Dynasty“), Grant Gustin (“The Flash“), Camrus Johnson (“Batwoman“), Olivia Liang (“Kung Fu“), Nicole Kang (“Batwoman“), Nicole Maines (“Supergirl“), Jeanine Mason (“Roswell, New Mexico“), Perry Mattfeld (“In The Dark”), Kennedy McMann (“Nancy Drew“), Candice Patton (“The Flash“), Danielle Rose Russell (“Legacies“), Azie Tesfai (“Supergirl“), Elizabeth Tulloch (“Superman & Lois“), Anjelika Washington (“DC’s Stargirl“), and Karimah Westbrook (“All American“).

The new “Freedom to Vote” PSAs — which encourages viewers to get involved at Vote.org/TheCW — will be broadcast during the network’s primetime line-up, across its digital platforms and apps, as well as on its social media outlets.

“Voting is the very foundation of our democracy. We all deserve the right to vote, and the right to fair access to cast those votes safely and securely. The CW has an opportunity and a responsibility to engage our multi-platform audience in the efforts of our esteemed partners to encourage leaders in Washington and around the country to protect and strengthen the freedom to vote,” said Pedowitz. “Last year, we were so incredibly proud to have contributed in some way to getting more young people than ever to vote in the 2020 presidential election through our ‘Vote Actually‘ campaign. Now, through our ‘Freedom to Vote’ initiative, we want to make sure that those young voters, and every one of the 240 million eligible voters, can continue to be able to make their voices heard in future national, state, and local elections.”

“Our democracy works best when people can participate freely, but measures that make it harder for some people to vote undermine the core of this great American principle,” said Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “That is why access to the ballot is one of the country’s most pressing civil rights issues. This collaboration The CW will help to spread the message that all people of conscience should call for an end to voter suppression tactics and that Congress should pass comprehensive legislation to protect the sacred and fundamental right to vote.”

“Vote.org was proud to have partnered with The CW on their 2020 Vote Actually Campaign, and we are excited to be partnering again in 2021 at this critical moment for our democracy,” said Andrea Hailey, CEO. “This is an all hands on deck moment, and we need everyone, including companies, influencers, artists, and advocates to stand up for the freedom to vote. We applaud The CW for using its platform and leveraging its talent and voice to protect our democracy.”