DENVER - Today  U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) led civil rights advocates from Colorado in joining a nationwide effort to highlight unprecedented voter suppression efforts occurring in a majority of states. Dozens of civil, labor, and human rights organizations across the country held events similar to the Denver event today under the banner of  “Stand for Freedom,” in observance of Human Rights Day.

Already over 30 states have introduced legislation that would require identification, cut early voting opportunities, or end same-day voter registration and voting. These attacks target low income, minority, young and older voters with unnecessary burdens at the ballot box do nothing more that limit access. In Colorado, Secretary of State Scott Gessler’s efforts to strip away voting rights have made the state ground zero for these countrywide efforts.  While Gessler's attempt to limit certain municipalities from mailing ballots to inactive voters was overruled by the courts, the Secretary has indicated he will continue to pursue his misguided efforts. 

Today's event featured remarks from Rep. DeGette; Jenny Flanagan, Director of Voting and Elections, Common Cause; Marcus Farmer, President Denver chapter of NAACP; Miriam Peña, Colorado Progressive Coalition; Chris Getson, New Era Colorado; Denise Maes, Public Policy Director, ACLU; and Rev. Dawn Riley Duval, MOP Metro Organizations for People.

"Voting in our nation is a right extended to all citizens without discrimination and it lies at the heart of all that makes our country great," said Rep. DeGette. "But today we are forced to come together because that basic right is now facing an assault the likes of which we haven’t seen in over a 100 years. Across the country 34 different states have introduced voter suppression legislation, including proposed laws that would end same day voter registration and cut early voting opportunities in half.  Reports have shown these types of restrictions disproportionately impact African Americans, blue-collar working citizens, seniors and parents. We face profound and complex problems right now and addressing them will require a broad range of voices from across the political, racial, and socio-economic spectrums.  The last thing we need in America is fewer people participating in our democratic process."

"In our democracy, few things are as sacred as the right to vote," said Jenny Flanagan. "Even though there is no evidence that voter fraud is a problem in our elections, legislators in more than 30 states introduced bills this year that would limit our right to vote.  This is not an accident; this is a well funded coordinate attack on our rights that could result in millions of people, especially senior citizens, college students and people of color, losing their right to vote. What’s most trouble about this trend is that big moneyed-interests, like the Koch Brothers, are fueling voter suppression efforts from coast to coast." 

"The heart of democracy is the right to vote," said Marcus Farmer. "For more than 103 years the NAACP has stood for equality, justice, and equal treatment for all Americans, and equal access to the voting booth stands at the heart of this message.  The latest round of legislation reflected in many states across our country, new voter ID bills, and restrictions on voter registration and early voting will affect all Americans, but particularly African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, students, working women, seniors and immigrants of all colors.  The Denver Branch NAACP and our units nationwide oppose any and all legislation that serves to effectively disenfranchise lawful voters.  A democracy with limited voting rights is NOT a true democracy."

"The right to vote is at the core of this country’s democracy and remains one of our most important instruments against injustice," said Denise Maes. "Voter suppression efforts are a silent threat to our basic democracy, this country’s core value." 

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