As a mother, I am flabbergasted by the continued and increasing attacks on voting rights. In Washington, we are fortunate to have mail-in ballots. It’s easy to take it for granted, or to tune out news of the struggles to gain access to voting. Please, take a second look at the incomprehensible attacks on the fundamental right within a democracy: the vote.

Anti-voter bills like “SAVE Act” are promoting disinformation with the guise of “election security” when in fact it imposes barriers such as no longer accepting state ID, military ID and student ID. This disproportionally impacts working families, young voters, marginalized communities, disable voters, and people of color. Some examples include: 69 million women have mismatches with their names on their birth certificate, 150 million do not have passports. Elderly Americans are least likely to have passports and birth certificates.

Congress needs to reject the “SAVE Act.” Instead, pass meaningful legislation like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Amendment, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act. This legislation ensures eligible voters have equal access to casting their votes, protections against voter suppression, and secure and fair representation for all Americans.

I urge our representatives to vote “no” on the “SAVE Act.” Call it out for what it is voter suppression. Stand up for protecting Civil Rights and leading forward. Together, we can ensure every voice is heard. Thank you.

Nydia Blood

Langley