Statement - People Power United supports the Freedom to Vote Act and opposes the American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act
Letter sent to House Leadership on behalf of our People Power United membership
July 17, 2023
Dear Representative:
People Power United stands behind the Freedom to Vote Act and opposes the “American Confidence in Elections” (ACE) Act. We understand the Freedom to Vote Act to be a groundbreaking piece of legislation that will give power back to the people. It will help reduce the influence of wealthy donors and vote suppressors, and will ensure that the voices of everyday Americans, especially those of Black and Brown communities, are heard.
The Freedom to Vote Act, taking into account the input of state and local election officials, will guarantee that every voter's voice and vote is heard, counted, and safeguarded, regardless of political allegiance and place of residence. This vital legislation will secure the rights of voters, put an end to partisan gerrymandering, counteract attempts to disrupt elections in an undemocratic way, and reduce the potency of dark money in our elections. Specifically, the Freedom to Vote Act would:
Respond directly to new laws around the country aimed squarely at making it harder for people to vote--which will disproportionately impact communities of color--by setting commonsense standards for safe, convenient practices like early voting, automatic voter registration and vote-by-mail.
Protect the integrity of our elections by adding new safeguards against election sabotage, such as partisan efforts to remove local election administrators and harassment of poll workers.
Ban gerrymandering and prevent states from adopting congressional maps based unduly on voters’ political party.
Reduce the power of special interests in our elections by shining a light on secret political spending and getting big money out of politics.
We firmly oppose the ACE Act because it would make it more difficult for millions of Americans, especially Black and Brown Americans, to vote, would increase the amount of big, secret money in politics, and would further limit the rights and voices of the residents of the District of Columbia who already lack full representation in Congress.
This proposed legislation would reverse the pro-voter reforms that have been enacted in red, blue, and purple states, and limit the choices that voters have when registering to vote, as well as restrict the ability to cast a ballot by mail and create strict photo ID requirements.
Furthermore, the ACE Act would expand contribution limits and increase the influence of dark money, special interest groups that use donations to influence our government. The bill would also have a detrimental effect on the residents of Washington, D.C., who are still denied full voting rights, by reversing the pro-voter reforms that have been passed in the nation's capital.
Therefore, to uphold free and fair elections and reduce the power of big, secret money in politics, Congress should enact the Freedom to Vote Act.
Sincerely,
People Power United
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