Toledo Blade (Op-Ed): The whole truth about national voting rights legislation

It’s time to tell the truth about two important pieces of voting rights legislation: The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Ohio elected officials, including Secretary Frank LaRose and Sen. Rob Portman, have spread misinformation about the legislation, and it’s time to correct the record. The two bills were combined into a single package that passed the House on Thursday called the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. This voting rights legislation will soon be debated in the Senate.

First, the Freedom to Vote Act creates national standards to ensure that we can safely and freely cast our ballots, ensure that trusted local election officials count every vote, and prevent partisan politicians from sabotaging the results of our elections. It also includes a prohibition on gerrymandering congressional districts, ensuring that voters across the country do not have to fear being “packed” or “cracked” into rigged districts that will deprive them of the ability to elect representatives of their choice.

Many of the reforms included in the legislation — such as streamlining voter registration- have already been implemented and tested in the states. Some, such as early in-person voting and the ability to vote-by-mail, are already in place here in Ohio. Because they have been proven to strengthen election security and integrity, they have been included in the Freedom to Vote Act.

Mr. Portman and Mr. LaRose claim the bill is a federal power grab, but the Freedom to Vote Act takes nothing away from states. It simply protects voters with minimum standards and ensures that voters in every state can count on the same access to the ballot, the same rules protecting democracy.

Yes, state and local jurisdictions run our elections, but the Constitution gives Congress the power to set uniform standards so that the rules are fair to all voters. Previous federal election laws such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (Motor Voter) are examples of Congress exercising this authority.

he fact is, there is nothing radical, extreme, or partisan in wanting to make sure voters in every state are protected from attempts to diminish and distort our democracy.

So, when Mr. Portman and other politicians call the legislation a “power grab,” they’re right; the Freedom to Vote Act is a power grab for the people.

It gives Americans a greater say in the decisions that impact our neighborhoods and our families. The Freedom to Vote Act means we can vote for stronger schools, affordable health care, and elected leaders who represent our interests, not just the special interests or those with the loudest voices.

Second, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement, named after Civil Rights hero and Congressman John Lewis, would repair and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. If passed today, the law would allow unfair and discriminatory voting laws to be stopped before they are implemented — ensuring every Ohioan can fairly cast a vote and have our vote counted.

The legislation has a long history of bipartisan support from both Democratic and Republican presidents and senators, including George W. Bush and Sen. Mitch McConnell, (R., KY).

In fact, sixteen of the current U.S. Senators serving today voted in favor of it when it was last voted on in 2006. It passed unanimously. We’ll note that the bipartisan list includes Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. It’s only now that partisan politicians have refused to even debate the bill, let alone vote in support.

Common Cause Ohio has long pushed for pro-voter democratic reforms at the local, state, and national level, but as the recent wave of voter suppression has washed over our country, stripping voters of our rights, we know the U.S. Senate must pass national voting rights legislation before it’s too late.

It’s a now or never moment for our democracy. With an imminent vote to advance the voting rights legislation facing the U.S. Senate, there’s one truth Mr. Portman and other Republican senators can’t escape: The vote is a choice between voter protection and voter suppression. We hope they stand on the side of the voters and choose to protect and strengthen our freedom to vote in Ohio. No Senate rule like the filibuster should stand in its way.

Catherine Turcer is the executive director of Common Cause Ohio.