Letter to the Editor: The right to vote

To the Editor:

Democracy is governing by and for the whole population, usually through elected members. It is a peaceful change of government given the right to rule because everyday people say it may.

Our Democracy is in peril. We are being held hostage by an obstructionist minority, and they want to retain power.

There are 34 laws being put forth and passed by Republicans that seek to enhance that power in at least 22 states. These laws make it more and more difficult for everyday Americans to cast their votes. Our election systems are the most secure they have ever been, and these laws do not improve that, they merely impede everyday Americans’ right to vote.

The House bill HR1, put forth by Democrats, and passed by Democrats without even one Republican, has moved on to the Senate, where Mitch McConnell has vowed to kill it.

“Congress finds the Constitution of the United States grants explicit and broad authority to protect the right to vote, to regulate elections for federal office, to prevent and remedy discrimination in voting and defend the nation’s democratic processes.” So States HR1/SR1 For the People Act, which is the resulting bill.

In summary, this bill expands voter registration, (i.e. automatic, same day) and voting access (vote by mail, early voting). It also limits states’ purging of voter rolls.

In order to stop gerrymandering, states must establish independent redistricting commissions. There are also provisions for election security in and across states.

The issues of money in politics (consider the fact that 100 individuals are responsible for 70% of all contributions to super PACS and 97 of them are white), campaign  finance reform, revolving doors between congress and lobbying and many others are also addressed.

Yet, somehow, the Republicans in Congress, who shout stolen elections and voter fraud and security issues, once again, choose obstructionism over progress, party over country, and Trump over Democracy.

Ann Klees
Waterville