Before Democratic Congressman John Lewis was a senior Member of Congress, he was a student activist who risked his life to fight for equal rights in the American South, including the right to vote. Lewis is now speaking out against voter ID laws being used by the right-wing to suppress Americans’ voting rights.
Tonight, Martin Bashir explained that Lewis denounced a federal voter ID amendment that fellow Georgian Rep. Paul Broun (R) introduced. Lewis took to the floor to denounce Broun’s effort, leading the Republican to withdraw his amendment. Lewis joined the show to discuss his battle against voter suppression laws. “They’re trying to steal this election before it even takes place,” said Lewis.
The congressman explained his support for the Voter Empowerment Act, which would make it easier for Americans to vote and provide more accountability within the nation’s voting systems. “The vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent instrument that we have in a democratic society,” he said, explaining why he wants to protect voting rights.
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