House Democratic leader calls on Congress to protect voting rights

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 3, 2021 — Michigan House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township) took the message of Republicans’ voter suppression efforts in Michigan to the nation’s capital along with state Reps. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham), and state Sen. Adam Hollier (D-Detroit), joining state legislators from across the country today to demand the passage of federal legislation to protect voting rights.

“Restricting and hampering the freedom to vote for citizens across the Great Lakes State is wrong, and we’re going to fight these efforts every step of the way,” Lasinski said. “Michigan Republicans are trying to create barriers to voting, making it harder for our citizens to exercise their fundamental freedoms, and they have already announced their intention to take their anti-voter agenda to the ballot bypassing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s veto pen. That’s why federal voting rights legislation is urgently needed to protect our democracy.”

Speaking at the Capitol, Lasinski underscored how Michigan served as a dress rehearsal for the Jan. 6 insurrection with militia members plotting to kidnap Whitmer and taking part in the destruction that occurred in Washington, D.C. Media reports have documented ties between the Republican leader of the Michigan Senate and these militia members.

To further perpetuate the Big Lie, Michigan Republicans signed onto a lawsuit and sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence attempting to override the election results. Michigan Republicans tried to install false electors loyal to Donald Trump.

“We must seek accountability to protect our democracy and prevent future attacks on our democratic institutions. That’s why I have called for a state-level, bipartisan committee to investigate Michigan’s unique role in the Capitol insurrection,” Lasinski said. “We must learn from this incident. I will not rest when it comes to protecting our democracy and getting a true accounting of the events of Jan. 6.”

Video of Lasinski can be seen here.

 

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