Over this past week, we’ve seen Republican lawmakers denounce white supremacy, even when the President himself continues to double down and defend white supremacists, neo-nazi, and domestic terrorists.
But what these Republican lawmakers aren’t realizing is their hypocrisy: while they denounce white supremacy, they are also engaging in efforts to suppress American votes.
The history of voter suppression is rooted in white supremacy. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a direct response to states denying African Americans the right to vote.
States might have moved away from literacy tests and poll taxes, but they’re now using new, even more cynical targeted methods to suppress the vote, like unjust redistricting plans, gerrymandering, and strict voter ID laws.
Actions speak louder than words. Every lawmaker who condemns white supremacy must also reject attacks on our civil rights and voting rights.
We must stand united against the hatred that plagued Charlottesville this past weekend. But in order to make systemic changes to make our democracy more reflective of our nation, we all need to be able to participate.
We cannot return to the era of literacy tests and poll taxes. We need to restore the Voting Rights Act and make sure that all who are eligible to vote are able to — free of physical or structural barriers or intimidation.
Thank you,
Alex Padilla
California Secretary of State
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