It wasn’t unexpected when GOP senators used the filibuster to halt the Senate’s voting rights and ethics bill – “For the People Act of 2021.”
The bill addressed voter access, election integrity, and security. Specifically, it would have increased voter access by expanding early voting, allowing for same-day voter registration, enacting automatic registration for federal elections, and lowering identification requirements.
States also would have been required to offer electronic voter registration and register eligible felons after they have completed their sentences. The bill would also have reduced the influence of money in politics and eliminated the partisan gerrymanders that keep politicians unaccountable.
The "For the People Act" is urgently needed as Republican-controlled state legislatures scramble to change voting laws in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. Republican lawmakers around the country have introduced over 250 bills aimed at restricting access to the ballot box, especially for poor and minority voters, amounting to the greatest assault on voting rights since the Jim Crow era. The laws primarily focus on tightening voter ID requirements, purging voter rolls, and restricting absentee and mail-in ballots.
Despite overwhelming evidence that no such fraud has ever happened or could happen (and certainly not in the 2020 Presidential election), Republicans continue to push their false narrative that these measures are needed to avoid fraudulent votes and restore trust in the election system.
The vote on Tuesday was simply to ask the Senate to debate the bill. It had nothing to do with actually passing the For the People Act. In fact, Republicans would still have the chance to kill it before a final passage or even filibuster the final vote. Sounds fair enough, right? So, why are Republicans afraid to even debate voter rights, especially considering it would cost nothing?
Republicans tried to justify their actions by arguing that the bill is a big federal power grab on the part of Democrats. However, such action was simply a way for the GOP to flex its muscles, a reminder that even though they are in the minority, they can still impact the Senate’s agenda.
Democrats say the debate is far from over, but current filibuster rules require most legislation to obtain at least 60 Senate votes to pass. Given the Senate is split 50 – 50, it will be difficult to pass any meaningful legislation without reforming the filibuster.
What's at stake here is the freedom to vote and the chance for fair representation for millions of Americans. We can disagree on many issues, but limiting the right of people to participate in American democracy is deplorable. Voting is a core civil rights issue. Voting must be easily accessible to all. Anything less diminishes our democracy.
My suggestion?
Over the next few months and years, organize, flex your muscles, register to vote, and get to the polls. Vote for those who support measures to make it easier for people to vote. Vote out those people who voiced opposition and voted against these measures.
We the People must change the election landscape of this country before any meaningful social justice change will happen. Exercise your voice and your vote.
Our democracy is depending on you.
Mark M. Bello, a trial lawyer, is the author of “Betrayal in Black” and other ‘ripped from the headlines’ Zachary Blake Social Justice Legal Thrillers available on Amazon.com and other online booksellers. For more information, please visit www.markmbello.com.
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