Senate Democrats Propose New Voting Rights Bill

 

A "compromise" bill strengthening voting rights has been agreed upon by progressive and conservative Senate Democrats.  Called "The Freedom To Vote Act," the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (MN), Joe Manchin (WV), Raphael Warnock (GA), Jon Tester (MT), Tim Kaine (VA), Jeff Merkley (OR) and Alex Padilla (CA), along with Maine independent Sen. Angus King.

Key features:

-- bans partisan gerrymandering;

-- sets minimum standards on voting by mail;

-- makes Election Day a national holiday; 

-- mandates 15 consecutive days of early voting;

-- ensures national same- day voter registration;

-- allows a broad range of voter identification documents;

-- forces disclosure of "dark money" donors;  and

-- provides protections to ensure local and state election officials are insulated from undue interference. 

Unless the Democrats agree to a work-around "reform"of the filibuster, the bill will go no further since there are zero Republicans who will defy Sen. "Moscow Mitch" McConnell (Grim Reaper-KY) and vote for cloture.  There are reports (that the White House won't deny) that the President is willing to pressure Sens. Manchin and Sinema (and any other so-called "institutionalists") to reform the filibuster in order to pass this specific, pro-democracy legislation. 

Majority Leader Schumer is expected to call a procedural vote on the bill as early as next week.

BONUS:   Voting rights attorney Marc Elias likes what he sees.