Still in the Early 1900's of the 20th Century in 2022 of the 21st Century. Voting Rights. January 19, 2022

Missing the facts:

".......49 states in the 2021 legislative session alone, and at least 19 states enacted 34 laws that restrict access to the ballot,...."

That statement notes that 49 of 50 States in the U.S. are advocating for some form of voter restrictions and suppression.

Representative Kweisi Mfume U.S. Representative for the 7th District of Maryland  Washington D.C. | Baltimore Office (202) 225-4741 | (410) 685-9199

For Immediate Release January 19, 2022 Congressman Kweisi Mfume’s Statement on the Senate's Failure to Pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act January 19, 2022 | Press Release WASHINGTON – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement on the Senate's failure to pass critical voting rights legislation today. “A record number of Americans voted in the 2020 elections because of expanded Election Day, vote-by-mail, and early voting opportunities. Less than one year later, state lawmakers in at least 19 states enacted 34 laws that restrict access to the ballot with many more on the way. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate has proven it is more committed to protecting the filibuster than it is the right to vote,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am baffled and disappointed to see people honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday and then by Thursday vote against the freedom to vote. This is a dastardly and shameful day for our democracy,” he added. ### More on the Congressional Effort for the Freedom to Vote  The United States House of Representatives has done its part in the fight for the right to vote by: Passing H.R. 1, the For The People Act, the most significant voting rights and democracy reform in more than half a century; and Passing H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore the power of the Voting Rights Act to protect the right to vote. Last week, the House passed the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act which will do the following. Stop voter suppression and election subversion.  Lawmakers have enacted 34 laws in 19 states that not only restrict the right to vote but empower election officials to nullify the results of a free and fair election after the votes are cast. Empower the grassroots and reward their participation in our democracy.  This bill empowers states to amplify the power of small-dollar donors with matching funds, without putting any taxpayer dollars toward this purpose. Curb special interest money in politics.  This oppressive, anti-democratic dark money allows anonymous funders to suppress the voices of the American people.  The current landscape of state electoral systems: State lawmakers introduced over 440 voter suppression bills in 49 states in the 2021 legislative session alone, and at least 19 states enacted 34 laws that restrict access to the ballot, with many more on the way. Experts predict this wave of voter suppression and election sabotage will intensify in 2022.  This evening, the Senate failed to overcome procedural hurdles, thereby leaving the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act to languish indefinitely in its Chamber.