Letter: Voting rights need to be back on the table

Every day we are watching Ukrainians literally fighting for democracy over autocracy. Americans need to fight for our democracy, too - by ensuring the right to vote for all Americans.

Voting rights are one of the most basic principles of our democracy. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, in 2021, 19 states passed 34 laws restricting access to voting. The right to vote should not be dependent on the state you live in.

When citizens aren't allowed to vote, it creates minority rule, disillusionment with our political system, and it is a step toward autocracy. Important elections are coming up this fall, and we need to demand that Congress pass a new voting rights law this summer that guarantees every American citizen's right to vote. Equitable voting rights will keep our democracy strong.

Wendy Dunnington

Arlington Heights