108 Former NASA Astronauts Launch Voting Campaign to Defend US Democracy Before Midterms
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 27
108 Former NASA Astronauts Launch Voting Campaign to Defend US Democracy Before Midterms
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 27
Summary
More than 100 retired NASA astronauts have formed Astronauts for America, a nonpartisan group urging voters to back constitutional democracy ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The 108-member effort says democratic norms have eroded over decades, citing growing reliance on executive orders, weakened trust in institutions and what members call recent assaults on constitutional principles.
About 60 college and university campuses—many in swing states—are on the group’s summer and fall tour, aimed at young and first-time voters under its Vote for Freedom campaign.
Charles Bolden, Bill Nelson, Ellen Ochoa and Apollo 9 veteran Rusty Schweickart are among the participants; organizers also plan to grade congressional candidates on their commitment to constitutional principles.
The campaign was launched at the California Science Center on July 20, the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, framing voting as a civic duty to help steady US democracy.