Community groups have held vigils across Michigan this week to call for voting and democracy reform on the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol attack. As the U.S. Department of Justice continues to investigate the riot, Congress is taking up voting rights legislation. Allison Wilcox, with the Women of Michigan Action Network, says legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, now both before Congress, are critical.
“There are several bills that, if those could be passed, they would really help to strengthen our democracy. They would help improve voting access and ensure fairness in drawing congressional districts.”
Four people died during the January 6 riot. Fourteen of the 700 plus people who have been charged with federal crimes in connection with the insurrection are from Michigan. And a new N-P-R/Ipsos survey shows more than 60% of Americans believe U.S. democracy is “in crisis and at risk of failing.”
