Despite the failure of the attempted coup on Jan. 6, the systematic destruction of the machinery and institutions of our republic continues unabated. Voting rules that served to enable voters and protect their votes are being changed by state legislatures dominated by members of the anti-democracy party. Faith in the voting process is being purposefully undermined. If this faith is not restored, the 2022 election will be a chaotic preview of the utter collapse of our republic in 2024.
The greatest hope to save our republic lies with two bills currently languishing in the Senate because of the threat of filibuster by the anti-democracy party. The Freedom to Vote Act (S.2747) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R.4) mandate nationwide voting reforms that would make voting dramatically more fair, accessible, and effective for all eligible citizens.
They would thwart efforts currently being made to systematically exclude or effectively disenfranchise certain voters, mostly minorities. Unless we get these bills passed, nothing else matters. The collapse of our republic will be unimaginably horrible and inevitably lead to dictatorship. That is why we must all call our senators at 888-453-3211 and the White House at 888-724-8746 and let them know these bills must be passed right now even if it requires carving out an exemption from the filibuster. This is literally a matter of life and death.
Reading this is not enough. Phone calls matter. You matter. Make the calls.
Ken Dammand
Tulalip
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