Action 211 Will the Senate SAVE us?
Background:
‘A man doesn’t know what he has until he loses it” (1)
“Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone” (2)
As I read about the vote in the House for the “most restrictive voting bill ever”, these two songs played over and over in my brain. The vote on the “SAVE America Act” (3) was entirely along party lines 218-213, except for one Texas Democrat (and may he lose his next election). It’s now up to the Senate to actually save our voting rights! This is just one of the terrible bills designed on purpose to disenfranchise millions, for no reason except that Republicans know they will lose if everyone votes.
IF YOU HAVE EVER WONDERED why we need Democrats in Washington, for all their imperfections, this is a good reason.
The bill has different sections pertaining to registering to vote, vs. voting if you are already registered. New registrants have the most onerous requirements, eg. a certified birth certificate with a seal, showing the name of at least one parent, and the place of birth of the registrant. Naturalized citizens will also need to obtain proof of citizenship. Types of proof that will be accepted are listed in the bill (4). The bill also requires specific types of photo ID to vote in federal elections, which mirror the types of proofs of citizenship required to register. (4) These requirements take effect as soon as the bill passes and is signed by the President. Our first priority is to prevent the bill from passing in the Senate. In case that fails, start getting your documents in order, protest, and be prepared for the next disenfranchisement ploy.
Actions:
1 Call Senator Collins. She claims to be bipartisan. Now is the time to prove it. Simply tell her to vote against the “SAVE America Act” and that you will be watching her vote.
2. Call Senator King. Ask him to filibuster if it looks like there is any chance of this bill passing the Senate.
3. Find your birth certificate! And your passport if you have one. And check out your photo ID to be sure it complies with the requirements (4) Help your friends and family to do the same. If you have to order any new documents, remember it takes time, so get going on it.
Urgency:
The provisions would be effective immediately upon enactment by the Senate and signature by Trump. They would apply in any Federal election, which could be this November for Senate and House.
Extra Credit:
(1) A Man Doesn't Know. From the musical Damn Yankees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAWB_FBmZDA
(2) https://genius.com/Joni-mitchell-big-yellow-taxi-lyrics
(3) https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/house-passes-gops-sweeping-anti-voting-bill “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act”
(4) Bill text here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7296