Protect Voting Rights and Combat Voter Suppression

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to combat voter suppression and protect voting rights in our state and across the country. Recent statements from officials like Kristi Noem about ensuring "the right people" are voting and electing "the right leaders" represent a dangerous departure from American democratic principles. Every eligible citizen has the constitutional right to vote, and government officials should be working to expand access, not restrict it. The evidence is clear that voter suppression, not voter fraud, is the real threat to our elections. Analysis shows that voters in states like Ohio, Texas, and Florida lose an estimated 2 to 3 percent of their voting power due to suppression tactics. These tactics disproportionately impact communities of color, young voters, and working families who face barriers like reduced polling locations, strict ID requirements, and limited early voting access. Meanwhile, voter fraud remains virtually nonexistent. The focus on fraud is a distraction from the actual problem: making it harder for eligible Americans to exercise their fundamental right to vote. When officials prioritize making voting more difficult rather than more accessible, they undermine the foundation of our democracy. I am asking you to actively oppose any legislation that restricts voting access and to champion policies that expand it. This includes supporting measures like automatic voter registration, extended early voting periods, vote by mail options, and adequate funding for polling locations in all communities. Additionally, I urge you to speak out publicly against rhetoric that suggests only certain Americans should be voting. Our democracy is strongest when participation is highest. I need to know that you will stand firmly on the side of voting rights and against any efforts to suppress the vote. Please inform me of the specific actions you will take to protect every eligible voter's access to the ballot.