Election reform is essential for future of our democracy

In 2020, American voters will decide what political experts are saying will be one of the most consequential elections in U.S. history.

It’s infuriating that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell isn’t interested in assuring the voting rights of all eligible Americans and doing everything possible to limit foreign interference in the election.

House Democrats’ colossal election reform bill, HR 1, would do that and more.

McConnell calls it “a power grab for American voters.” As if there is something wrong with making sure the voices of all eligible voters, rich and poor, young and old, are heard on Election Day.

San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the chairwoman of the Committee on House Administration, opened hearings Thursday on the legislation and is pushing for a House floor vote on the comprehensive reforms by the end of March.

“Cutbacks to early voting, shutting down polling places, and purging eligible voters from the rolls all put barriers to participation in our elections,” Lofgren said last week. “There is hope that we can work to restore our democratic promise, and HR 1 is the beginning of that.”

The legislation has 226 co-sponsors, a virtual who’s who of Democrats in the House of Representatives. The 571-page bill covers everything from voter registration to campaign financing to setting higher ethical standards for members of Congress. Specifically, HR 1 would:

• Seek to create higher voter participation by making Election Day a national holiday for federal employees and encouraging private employers to do the same.

• Establish a nationwide automatic voter registration system that asks voters to opt out, rather than opt in, ensuring more people will be signed up to vote.

• Expand same-day voter registration, voting by mail and early voting.

• Prohibit voter roll purging and prevent the use of mail that can’t be forwarded as a means to remove voters from county voting rolls.

• Reduce the threat of foreign attacks on our voting system by requiring the director of national intelligence to do regular checks on foreign threats.

• Prevent members of Congress from serving on corporate boards, cutting back on the revolving door that entices members of Congress to refrain from voting on issues that might decrease the odds of getting a lucrative director job.

• Reduce the impact of big money in politics by increasing the power of small donors and requiring all organizations involved in political activities to disclose their major donors.

• Require independent, redistricting commissions to end the practice of political gerrymandering.

It’s inconceivable that President Trump would sign any bill requiring him to release his tax returns. McConnell’s opposition makes it equally unlikely that the legislation will get to Trump’s desk. But it’s important to call out the extent to which voters’ rights are being suppressed. Forcing a House and Senate vote on the legislation will bring the issue into the spotlight. It’s also possible that some elements of the bill — ending the practice of gerrymandering, for example — could find enough bipartisan support to pass Congress.

Voter frustration is at an all-time high because of a growing lack of faith in the democratic process. HR 1 is a critical step toward giving power back to the American people.

“There is hope that we can work to restore our democratic promise, and HR 1 is the beginning of that.”

— San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren