The Republican backdoor power grab
"Letter to Editor"05/16/2008
DFLers -
Republicans can't win elections based on their failed philosophies, so, they've latched onto a new plan: make it as hard and expensive as possible for people to exercise their constitutionally protected right to vote.
Since the Supreme Court decided two weeks ago to uphold a draconian law in Indiana that requires citizens show a government issued photo ID to vote, Republican legislatures across the country have started moving fast to pass their own version of this horrible law.
And just like the poll taxes and literacy tests of the past, Republicans hide their real purpose under the banner of preventing possible voter fraud. But these laws are really about stopping senior citizen, low income, and newly registered Americans from voting. Why? Because they typically vote for Democrats.
We must stand together and protect every American's right to vote.
SIGN THE PETITION NOW
http://democracyforamerica.com/action/righttovote
Already 19 states are rushing to pass anti-voting laws. And just this week, Missouri Republicans started taking it a step further. A photo ID isn't good enough; they want you to show your birth certificate or passport in the polling booth too.
What's next? Require a blood sample? Maybe a lock of hair? Or some of your DNA?
Republicans claim this is about national security. They have no proof, but illegal immigrants might be trying to vote. On the other hand, just last week in Indiana's primary, as many as 12 nuns were denied their right to vote because they didn't have government issued photo-ids. That’s right; evidently Republican's are protecting our democracy from our biggest threat: nuns without ids.
Together, we have the power to stop this assault on our right to vote.
TAKE ACTION AND SIGN THE PETITION NOW
http://democracyforamerica.com/action/righttovote
This is just the beginning. We will deliver the petition to elected Democrats in legislatures around the country. Armed with the support of the nation behind them, they'll have the power to stand up to this Republican backdoor power grab.
Together, we are building a coalition to beat anti-voter laws in Missouri and beyond. And in the days ahead, we'll demand Governors in every state make their position public. Will they side with the American people and protect our sacred right to vote or will they help George Bush and Republicans lead an assault on our democracy?
With your help, we will defend American freedom and protect the right to vote. Thank you for everything you do.
-Jim
Jim Dean
Chair