A coalition of voting rights groups warned on Tuesday that Arizona Republicans are launching a “full-scale assault” on democracy – attempting to pass at least nineteen bills aimed at limiting voting rights. Among the proposals: eliminating no-excuse absentee voting, making it harder to obtain an absentee ballot, enacting more stringent voter ID requirements, and shortening deadlines for returning ballots.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, Arizona “leads the nation in proposed voter suppression legislation.” And it’s not just Arizona – Pennsylvania, Georgia, and New Hampshire are close behind.
Republicans at the state level are trying to curb voter turnout and disenfranchise minority voters all in an effort to keep their dwindling hold on power. Arizona Republicans have even gone so far as to put forth a bill allowing the state legislature to overturn the results of a presidential election should they not like the outcome.
Every State, Every Vote Co-Chair Oregon Gov. Kate Brown released the following statement:
“This full-scale assault on our democracy will not stand. Arizona Republicans’ despicable attempts to limit access to the ballot box are unconstitutional, and a clear violation of voters’ rights. This partisan scheme will disproportionately impact communities of color, weaken our democracy, and create more chaos and confusion in upcoming elections.
“In states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kansas, and Wisconsin where Republicans hold majorities in the legislature, Democratic governors are working to block harmful legislation limiting voting rights. Every State, Every Vote will continue to work with Democratic governors to ensure voters in every state are able to safely and easily exercise their fundamental right to vote.”
