Voting rights laws are needed to stop GOP assault on voting

To Ozaukee Press:

In the U.S. Senate, the filibuster is a wrecking ball that Mitch McConnell wields with impunity. Bills can be shut down by the simple word “filibuster.” The rules need to change to allow the Senate to pass essential legislation. The For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act are needed more than ever before.

Consider that 253 voter suppression bills have been introduced by Republican state legislators. Republicans plan on disenfranchising those who typically vote Democratic—younger people, people of color, suburban women among others—by reducing the number and length of early voting days, severely limiting voting by mail and drop box, gerrymandering, and giving state legislatures the power to strip authority from the secretary of state and local election officials. It’s cheating; it is the only way they can win.

Change the  filibuster so there is a pathway for good legislation. Pass the bills that provide guides and guardrails to keep voting in the hands of the people, not in the hands of the power-drunk political cheaters.

Open, transparent government is a vital component of what democracy looks like.

Kathleen Michel
Mequon