PA House Democrats Launch Effort to Defend Democracy

New site offers solutions and urges advocacy for election security and reforms

Policy Committee    March 29, 2021 | 1:47 PM

HARRISBURG, March 29 – Responding to the Capitol insurrection in January and the signing of new restrictions on voting rights last week in Georgia, House Democrats are taking action to protect American democracy.

Today, a website was launched that summarizes policy proposals to defend democracy as well as links to more information and the ability for people to quickly email their elected officials, noting their support of the bills.

The House Democratic Caucus has been working on these proposals since a House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing in January, when members were briefed by legal scholars, hate crimes experts and members of Congress on the language of false conspiracy and election fraud being used to undermine democracy. That same language has shifted from encouraging outright attack to what many perceive as insidiously undermining basic voting rights.

“We cannot allow the outrage and disgust of the American people watching an armed invasion of our government to be subverted by a slick rebranding into attacks on our right to fair and free elections” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said.

Members of the House Democratic Caucus have introduced dozens of measures to expand voting rights, preserve election security, protect access to mail-in ballots and polling places, and to clarify and consolidate the often-outdated Election Code.

Bizzarro said the site – www.pahouse.com/policy/defendingdemocracy -- will serve as a great resource that aggregates his colleagues’ efforts to take an active role in our governance and takes great strides to encourage civic engagement while preserving the security and integrity of elections.

“Today’s technology makes it easier than ever for the public to make their voices heard. We know Pennsylvania stands with us and wants to see fair, efficient and accessible elections and it’s time that we listen,” Bizzarro concluded.