Michelle Obama, celebrities press Congress to pass voting rights laws

There have been dozens of voter suppression efforts by Republicans in Republican-controlled states as of late. Former first lady Michelle Obama and other celebrities are now pressing Congress to pass the voting rights laws to combat the suppression efforts.

The former first lady along with a civic engagement group has penned a letter to Congress, urging the representatives to support the sweeping voting rights legislation aimed to combat voter suppression efforts. The legislation would mean expanded accessibility to the polls and more federal standards. The group, When We All Vote, co-chaired by Mrs. Obama, calls for support for the voting rights bill that is currently being debated upon in the Senate. The letter is co-signed by 60 public figures, from celebrities, activists, and athletes.

“This bill is not about choosing one party over another,” they wrote. “It is about commonsense reforms and best practices that make our democracy more open, more fair, and more inclusive. It is about reaffirming our founding principle that we can chart our own course as a nation.”

Over 253 bills in 43 states are being introduced that would restrict voting access, early voting days, mail balloting, as well as reducing voting hours. Those who have criticized the bills have said that those efforts would disproportionately affect young voters, voters with low-income, and people of color. It also happens that those voters have historically voted for Democratic candidates.

Those who have supported the bill, however, have cited that the measures are to prevent voter fraud or election misconduct. They have also cited that states should be allowed to determine how to run their elections. Republicans at the Capitol have called the sweeping legislation a power grab by the Democrats.

In other news, the former first lady was among those who have condemned the recent shooting at Boulder, Colorado. 10 people were killed as a result of the shooting, which only occurred 10 days after the incident in Atlanta where eight people were killed, six of whom were Asian American. The former first lady called for gun reforms along with the passing of legislation that would combat voting rights.

“I’m heartbroken by these recent tragedies of gun violence, and I just keep thinking about all the leaders who won’t take a stand to save lives and yet line up to pass bills that make it harder for us to vote,” tweeted Mrs. Obama.