Democrats Introduce Right to Vote Act to Beat GOP Voter Suppression Blitz

[AZProgressive]

The Right to Vote Act, introduced in the House by Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) and in the upper chamber by Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), would for the first time establish a statutory right to vote in federal elections, shielding Americans from laws making it harder to cast ballots.

If passed, the bill would allow Americans to mount legal challenges to any policies that restrict ballot access, and would counter governments' efforts to suppress the franchise by compelling them to prove claims of voter fraud—a statistically insignificant occurrence.

"The right to vote is foundational in our democracy, and must be protected as such," Jones said in a statement. "But in recent years, states like Georgia have launched an all-out assault on our democracy. The Right to Vote Act would stop this attack and prevent a new era of Jim Crow by requiring states to prove that any proposed restrictions on the right to vote advance an important interest in the least restrictive way possible."

"In this defining moment for our country, I'm proud to introduce this important legislation to secure the sacred right of every American to make their voice heard in our democracy," he added.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/08/05/democrats-introduce-right-vote-act-beat-gop-voter-suppression-blitz?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1628189878

[Shell_Seas]

1. What about gerrymandering?

[uponit7771]

5. +1, That's about the starting date August if we don't do something about that then we lose seats.

[FBaggins]

23. We lose seats either way

Gerrymandering is the process of drawing extreme lines that are obviously for political purposes.

But just regular redistricting can still impact representation. Look at the two seats that we picked up here in NC. The lines were redrawn, but not "gerrymandered" and they can probably take them back without extreme lines. They can certainly pick up two seats if we include the new one.

So it's really a question of how bad will it be. There isn't an option where we don't lose net seats to redistricting/reapportionment.

Though obviously we could still pick up net seats with a good election

[msongs]

2. DOA with the repubs filibuster? nt

[lagomorph777]

8. Repubs+Manchin+Sinema filibuster.

We have to persuade Joe, Joe, and Kyrsten that the time for half-measures (non-measures) is over. This is a dire emergency that will not only destroy America, but (horrors!) will even end their careers if not addressed with all due urgency.

[FBaggins]

24. No... there's no indication that either would filibuster such a bill. nt

[SergeStorms]

11. It's time someone explained....

to Congressional Democrats, that if the filibuster is allowed to prevent the passage of voter protection laws, THERE WILL BE NO MORE DEMOCRACY!

That is not hyperbole. Republicans have shown their propensity for ushering in autocratic republican rule. They are ready, willing - and without proper voter protection - able, to allow democracy to die in the United States of America.

Let's ask each of them, "who among you wants to have their name, forever associated with the death of democracy, inscribed in the annals of history. Who?"

I'm sick and tired of wimpy, feckless Democrats who won't stand up and fight for what is not only right, but is totally necessary, to protect our people and our country.

[peppertree]

18. +1

It's the John Birch Society's dream come true. And Hitler's.

"We lost the war - but shall win the peace."

Hitler was referring to the very thing you just outlined.

[Budi]

3. Sen Ossoff announced this yesterday. It is a critical piece of legislation.

Link to tweet

Replies: 👍
"This is huge!! Thanks Senator Ossoff. Way to go for making moves to stop voter suppression! You are the best!"

"Least restrictive" is critical in Special Education law and has its origins in Brown v Board of Education."
I'm glad they are using it!


They have definately been working late nights for some time, & diligently putting this together.

We have some of the brightest & gifted pols who's knowledge of Constitutuonal Law & legislation, standing strong for the side of Democracy.
Thank you..

Link to tweet

[uponit7771]

4. K&R, we're running out of time when it comes to even gerrymandering.

[ColinC]

7. It's sad that gerrymandering is the least of our worries when even all the fair districts will be in

jeopardy if people are not able to vote.

[uponit7771]

14. +1, If we lose the house republicans will NOT lose it agai. They will make sure they will win every

[tableturner]

6. Legislatures' ability to reverse the winner after votes counted is more critical.

But I do like this legislation.

[lagomorph777]

9. I think that would count as blocking voters.

[tableturner]

20. Needs specific protection, this does not do that. We cannot assume.....

[lagomorph777]

21. Yeah, assumptions haven't worked out too well lately.

[FoxNewsSucks]

10. Joe Manchin dont care

[ananda]

12. Please make this happen!

!!!

[leftstreet]

13. What happened to the other two bills?

The For the people Act, and the John Lewis voting act something

[Fla Dem]

15. What are the chances it will pass?

[Jakes Progress]

16. Even if it passes, it will be up to trump judges to interpret.

So, on the outside chance it gets passed,
the election will take place,
the republican restrictions will illegally keep voters out,
the republicans will win,
the democrats will sue, and
the trump stuffed court will rule for . . . .

[Joinfortmill]

17. Good

[Ligyron]

19. What was stopping Americans from suing for voter access now?

Christ, I had no idea it had to be “allowed” now.

And yes I agree, it will be the end of democracy if these laws are “allowed” to go into effect challenged.

And no, that is no hyperbole.

Many of us have been on the earth more than half a century and have never seen our country more in danger.

Suing after we’ve lost a staggering number of elections will do no good whatsoever.

[judesedit]

22. What about the legislatures being about to change our vote at will?

They'll install their lackeys to do it and are bragging about it.

[BlueIdaho]

25. It's about time...

Our ability to vote (in national elections at least) should not depend on which state we live in. We need a single standard protecting everyone’s right to vote. Allowing voters to sue states in federal court for violation of their voting rights as a US citizen is a good start.