Letter: Bill’s defeat endangers democracy

Recently, the Senate failed to overcome a Republican filibuster of S.2747, the Freedom to Vote Act, the landmark legislation that would protect and expand voting rights for the American people.

All Democratic and independent senators voted in favor of advancing this legislation for debate. This legislation is very popular with voters and regularly reaches two-thirds or more support from voters in recent polls.

Time and time again, Republican-controlled legislatures across the country have been hell-bent on passing laws that make it more difficult for people to vote and easier for partisan officials to subvert our elections.

This democracy desperately needed passage in the Senate of the Freedom to Vote Act. The Freedom to Vote Act would ensure equal access to the ballot box, would protect free and fair elections, and end partisan gerrymandering.

It did not go unnoticed that Jaime Herrera Beutler voted against the Freedom to Vote Act when the companion bill was up for vote in the House. While not surprising, it seems this representative is more concerned about shielding her constituents from the horror of bridge tolls, ensuring access to breastfeeding, and keeping seals from lunching on salmon than she is about protecting our democracy.