HARDWICK – As the Democrats in Washington continue to push back against the prospective SAVE America Act, many, like myself, are wondering what the future holds for women across the country.
While I encourage readers to research the potential impacts themselves, here is a brief overview: The act would require documentary proof of citizenship be presented in person to register to vote. The legislation purportedly aims to block non-citizens from voting, which is already illegal and is very rare.
The bill would require an individual to present in person, a passport, birth certificate or other citizenship document when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information.
Voting rights groups have said the bill will pose a barrier for millions of American women and others who have changed their legal name because of marriage, assimilation or to better align with their gender identity.
An estimated 69 million American women and four million men do not have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name.
Republicans who support the bill claim that states will be able to create processes so people can prove their citizenship if their name doesn’t match their birth certificate.
I have little to no faith that the government, whether it be state or federal, will go above and beyond to ensure women are not disenfranchised.
To some that may be a pessimistic view, but I believe the perspective is well founded. Women, time and again, fought, kicked and scratched for every inch of progress, including the right to vote. Across the country, and the world, this fight continues.
In fact, I believe that if men were the ones to be disproportionately affected by the SAVE Act, we would not be in this position (historically long government shutdown) or having this conversation. They would never conceive of such a thing.
This country failed women the first and second time we elected Donald Trump. We knew what he was; an adjudicated rapist, racist, unfaithful husband and a bad businessman. He’s a felon, a suspected pedophile, as well as a war-monger with no vision for this country’s future.
If the Democratic party fails and the SAVE Act should pass, there is no telling what the future holds for millions of women in the United States.
Women are not half-people, and thus do not deserve half-rights. I can only hope those in office will vigorously defend those that elected them.
Raymonda Parchment, reporter
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
