NAACP Springfield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Liz Wertz, 417-699-0426
Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action

Kai Sutton, 417-709-1145
President, Springfield NAACP

Springfield to Rally for John Lewis Day of Action and Statewide GOTV Effort Against Amendments 4 and 5

SPRINGFIELD, MO — On Saturday, July 18, 2026, as communities across the nation honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis through the John Lewis Day of Action, Springfield residents will join grassroots organizations, faith leaders, labor advocates, civil rights organizations, and community members for a statewide Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Day of Action ahead of Missouri's August 4 Primary Election.

Inspired by Congressman John Lewis' call to make "good trouble," this day of action will focus on civic engagement, voter education, and community organizing while encouraging Missourians to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Organizers will also encourage voters to vote NO on two statewide ballot measures they believe threaten democracy and working families.

Amendment 4 would make it significantly more difficult for citizen-led ballot initiatives to pass by replacing simple statewide majority rule with a requirement that measures receive a majority of votes in each of Missouri's eight congressional districts. Organizers say this change would allow a small percentage of voters to block measures supported by a statewide majority.

Amendment 5, according to organizers, would shift Missouri's tax structure by reducing or eliminating the state income tax while increasing reliance on sales taxes. They argue the proposal would place a greater financial burden on working families, reduce funding for public education and essential services, and disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Missourians.

WHAT
Springfield John Lewis Day of Action Rally & Press Conference
Statewide Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Day of Action Against Amendments 4 and 5

Hosted by:
Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, Springfield NAACP, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, League of Women Voters, Abortion Action Missouri, Missouri Workers Power, PROMO, Show Me Missouri, Springfield Tenants Unite and local faith leaders and pro-democracy community organizations.

Featured Speakers
Sam Schwarz – Show Me Missouri
Jeb Venable – Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action & IBEW
Jakob Fenner – Springfield Tenants Unite
Duan Gavel – Springfield NAACP

WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2026 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Drew Lewis Foundation 1126 N. Broadway Avenue Springfield, MO 65802

“The best way to honor John Lewis is to protect the freedom to vote through education, participation, and action. We must all make our voices heard this August!” — Denise Lieberman, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition

Following the rally and press conference, volunteers will participate in a community canvass to educate voters about the upcoming August Primary Election and encourage voter participation.

Simultaneous Day of Action rallies and canvasses will also take place in Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and St. Charles.

BACKGROUND
John Lewis dedicated his life to protecting voting rights and expanding democracy. From marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to serving in Congress for more than three decades, Lewis reminded Americans that "democracy is not a state; it is an act." His call to create "good trouble" continues to inspire communities across the country to organize, educate, and advocate for justice.
In that spirit, organizations across Missouri are joining together for the John Lewis Day of Action to encourage civic participation and ensure every eligible voter has the information they need before casting their ballot on August 4.

“John Lewis inspired us to never stop building a more just democracy. That’s the work we continue together today.” — Liz Wertz, Organizer, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action

As Missouri's primary election approaches, community leaders are mobilizing voters through education, conversation, and grassroots outreach. The statewide effort reflects a shared commitment to protecting democracy, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every Missourian has an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their families and futures.

“Good trouble is more than a moment, it’s a commitment to justice. John Lewis showed us that ordinary people, united by purpose, can create extraordinary change.” — Kai Sutton, President, NAACP Springfield

The Springfield rally serves as both a tribute to Congressman John Lewis' enduring legacy and a call to action for residents to become informed, engaged, and active participants in shaping Missouri's future.

This rally is in partnership with:

Missouri Voter Protection Coalition
Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action
PROMO Missouri
Springfield Tenants Unite
NAACP Springfield
League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri
Show Up Missouri
Abortion Action Missouri
Missouri Workers Power

And so many powerful organizers and organizations.

Together, we can do more!
This is what community looks like!

Sign Up:

SPRINGFIELD MO Good Trouble Lives On GOTV · John Lewis Actions Join organizations including Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, Abortion Action Missouri, Missouri Workers Center, Show Up Missouri, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri and the Springfield NAACP to help get out the vote for the August 4 elections,....

Yesterday, we had an amazing time at The Moxie Cinema for a special screening of Brother Outsider in partnership with PFLAG Springfield/SWMO

The film highlights the life of Bayard Rustin, the visionary civil rights leader and chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. It explores his extraordinary contributions to the Civil Rights Movement while sharing his journey as an openly gay Black man fighting for justice and equality.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to PFLAG for partnering with us for an evening of learning, reflection, and community. Together, we continue honoring the voices that have shaped the movement.

The countdown is on!

We’re looking forward to this year’s NAACP National Convention in Chicago! This year is especially exciting because we’re bringing our Youth Chapter along to experience this incredible opportunity.

From leadership development and civic engagement to networking with changemakers from across the country, our young leaders will be learning, growing, and representing our community with pride.

Chicago, here we come! 💙💛✊🏾