Democratic News from Rockford, IL – more news at WinnDems.org.

Voting rights at risk – Tammy Duckworth




One of the most significant milestones in our nation's journey to equality was the passage of Voting Rights Act.

This journey was not an easy one. For decades, African Americans were subjected to widespread voter intimidation efforts and laws designed to keep them from the polls. But they refused to accept injustice.

Civil rights activists organized protests and courageously endured unspeakable acts of violence by those who wanted to disenfranchise them. Then in 1965, African Americans' heroic activism ushered in change.

President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices and put protections in place to stop any attempts at discrimination in the future.

It's been 52 years since the Voting Rights Act became law. Yet sadly, we still can't take this fundamental right for granted. In 2013, the Supreme Court gutted a key protection in the Voting Rights Act.

Congress has the power to restore it, but President Trump has made it clear to his party that addressing voter suppression is not a priority. Instead, President Trump and his commission on "election integrity" prefer to investigate made-up claims of voter fraud. He wants to give the GOP justification for passing restrictive voting laws that unfairly target minorities.

Generations of civil rights activists risked their lives to secure the right to vote for all Americans. As a Veteran, I fought to defend this country and the democratic principles it was built on. We can't let our efforts be undermined.

Vow to speak out against any efforts to restrict access to the polls. Support Americans' right to vote.

Thank you,
Tammy

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This Rockford Democrat blog features news and press releases from Rockford, IL Democratic officials and candidates for office.
It is a "lite" version of WinnDems.org.
Paul Gorski is the editor and posts the content.
More information about local Democratic officials and candidates can be found at WinnDems.org (http://www.winndems.org)
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