1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Recently, arrest warrants were issued against Texas lawmakers who refused to enable an illegal and discriminatory redistricting plan. These legislators acted courageously to protect voting rights and uphold the Constitution in the face of a deeply flawed and partisan gerrymandering attempt, and are being punished for doing so. These recent developments in Texas - where Republican leadership has sought to punish their Democratic colleagues for representing those who voted for them - represent a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics. Arresting lawmakers for using procedural tools to resist voter suppression is an assault on democracy itself. It sets a terrifying precedent that elected officials may be sent to prison simply for refusing to do what those "above them" tell them to. I urge you to speak out against these arrests and join with other leaders across the country in affirming that no one should face legal consequences for defending the rights of their community. Voter suppression and gerrymandering have no place in a free society, and neither does political retribution disguised as law enforcement. Please continue working to ensure that our state remains a model for fair elections, voting rights, and democratic integrity, and use your voice to support those in other states who are fighting for the same principles under far more hostile conditions.