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In an op-ed for Democracy Docket, Hillary Clinton wrote that the restrictive voting bills that are being passed in Republican-led states are a “clear attempt to move away from a pluralistic, multi-racial democracy and toward a white supremacist authoritarianism.”
In the op-ed titled, “The Fight for Voting Rights Is The Fight For Our Democracy,” Clinton writes: “Each of these proposals disproportionately prevents people of color from casting their ballots, and each is egregious in its own right. (They also pose a question: If your best strategy for winning elections is to block huge swaths of the electorate from voting, what does that say about the strength of your candidates and policies?).”
According to Brennan Center for Justice, at least 14 states passed 22 new voting laws between January 1, 2021, and May 14, 2021.
Most of the restrictive voting laws being passed across the country limit ballot drop box locations, ban individuals from handing out water and food to voters in line at polling centers, and require photo identification for absentee ballots.
“Combined, they add up to an even bigger problem – one that encompasses redistricting, Trump’s “Big Lie” and the anti-majoritarianism we’re seeing from today’s Republican Party.”
The former secretary of state and New York lawmaker believes that former President Donald Trump’s Republican values have spilled over into the Supreme Court.
“Much of the blame for this backsliding rests with the Supreme Court, which, thanks to the election of President Trump, is even more hostile to voting rights today than it was when it gutted a crucial provision of the Voting Rights Act in 2013. But the problem is more insidious,” Clinton wrote.
President Trump nominated Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court during his presidency.
Clinton insinuates that groups like the Federalist Society want to pack the court with judges that will rule in favor of their own special interest and those of their affiliates.
According to The Federalist Society’s website, the Federalist Society is an organization of 60,000 lawyers, law students, scholars, and other individuals who believe and trust that individual citizens can make the best choices for themselves and society.
“The emboldening of white supremacist and conspiracy theorists during Trump’s campaign and time in the White House along with the international movement against liberal democracy have exacerbated this perfect storm,” the former First Lady wrote.
Clinton believes that America’s response to restrictive voting legislation “will have a ripple effect around the globe.”
“We should be doing everything we can to make it easier for eligible voters to cast their ballots.”
“ Now is the time for anyone who cares about ours to stand up and fight for it using absolutely every tool in our toolbox: legislation, marching and protesting, speaking up, supporting people and groups advocating for a democracy that reflects the diversity of this country, and, yes, showing up to the polls at every election, not just the presidential ones.”
