Washington, DC-- In response to breaking news this morning, that President Donald Trump, threatened to withhold federal funding from Nevada and Michigan after Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced vote-by-mail plans, Executive Vice President for Policy and Program Marge Baker released the following statement:
“Trump’s outburst over vote-by-mail options in two states is more forewarning that he will stop at nothing to corrupt the presidential election. He is making a dangerous -- and potentially illegal move -- by threatening to withhold federal funds from states that are working to ensure that the American public can vote safely in the midst of a pandemic. Many states have previously mailed out such applications and Republican states have made similar decisions to mail out applications this year, so this is clearly a partisan attack on states led by Democratic governors and illustrates Trump’s familiar pattern of corrupt retribution and extortion. Trump’s threat undermines one of the most important pillars of our democracy. We cannot allow Trump or Republican members of Congress to shred our democracy by taking away people’s ability to vote. We must stop voter suppression at the state level, expand safe voting options like vote-by-mail, and pass vital congressional funding to secure our elections in November.”
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.