Many Americans would argue that the nation’s election laws need serious reform. Through the past decades, there has been an increase in gerrymandering, incidences of election fraud, stolen ballots, purged voter rolls and, since Citizens United, a flood of money into the political system.

 In order to return political power to the people, Democrats in the House of Representatives have introduced H.R. 1 — the “For The People Act.” It is a series of reforms designed to make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote. It would restore the Voting Rights Act, end gerrymandering and stop purges of voter rolls. Fifteen states and the District of Colombia have already approved automatic voter registration, and H.R. 1 would make it the standard throughout the country. The bill would promote easier registration and voting for disabled Americans. It would support the use of paper ballots as part of increased election security. It would establish election day as a national holiday. The bill also contains provisions that would end the influence of big money in elections.

Sen. Mitch McConnell calls the bill a “power grab” — a term he should be quite familiar with. He should remember Merrick Garland.

I believe H.R. 1 constitutes a positive power grab by the American people to return the power of “one man, one vote” back where it belongs — in the hands of the American people.

 Rex Beisel, Otisfield