Free and fair elections are the foundation of a functioning democracy. Any effort to suppress the rights of eligible voters is a threat to our democratic republic. Here in Oregon, we have a safe and secure voting system that makes it easier – not harder – for citizens to cast their votes. We've been voting by mail for decades and have some of the highest voter turnout in the nation. And our automatic voter registration reduces barriers that disproportionately target voters of color.
For too many years, Black Americans and other people of color faced barriers that denied them the opportunity to vote. It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act passed in the 1960's that all citizens had access to the ballot box. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, and voter suppression efforts are multiplying in states around the country. We must stand up against misleading rhetoric about election safety. Voter suppression efforts and voter identification laws disproportionately target communities of color, disabled citizens, and low-income voters.
I will continue working to pass legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act that will restore voting protections and H.R. 1, the For the People Act, which would expand participation and bring parts of Oregon's popular electoral system to everyone.
Original source can be found here.
