Save us from extremism. Pass the Freedom to Vote Act BEFORE you go on recess!

On November 22, more than 150 political scientists signed an open letter to Congress warning that the opportunity to save our democracy is closing, and imploring it to pass the Freedom to Vote Act. “If Congress fails to pass the Freedom to Vote Act,” the scholars wrote, “American democracy will be at critical risk. Not only could this failure undermine the minimum condition for electoral democracy—free and fair elections—but it would in turn likely result in an extended period of minority rule, which a majority of the country would reject as undemocratic and illegitimate. This would have grave consequences not only for our democracy, but for political order, economic prosperity, and the national security of the United States as well.” I stand with these scholars in asking that you cancel recess and pass this legislation before it’s too late. This is my top priority for, as Heather Cox Richardson says, “Federal protection of our voting rights underpins everything else.” Protect our freedom to vote while you still can. Pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act before the New Year. Please. If Democrats have to they should reform the filibuster and get it done. If the extremists take over we will all—no matter our party—rue the day we didn’t act. Thanks.