Photo: Rep. Chea Waters Evans (center) with Attorney General Charity Clark (left) and Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas (right), Oct. 2022 // photo courtesy
A healthy environment relies on a healthy democracy. Sometimes people find it surprising when they learn that our work extends into democracy policy, but it’s been a core of our values for years. And when the federal government’s overreach to erode our democracy is in full swing, it feels particularly important that we are here doing what we can at the state level to protect against further dismantling.
Last week, the Trump administration issued an executive order attempting to strip fundamental voting rights. Meanwhile, Congress is considering the SAVE Act which will require voters to have a passport that has a name matching the name on their birth certificate. These kinds of barriers are being considered purposely to disenfranchise anyone who can’t produce documentation that millions of us don’t have, can’t afford, or struggle to access.
It felt particularly timely that I interviewed Rep. Chea Waters Evans (D-Charlotte) for this week’s Democracy Dispatch. As ranking member of the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, she was the bill reporter for H.474, a bill that will make changes to Vermont elections. She unpacks the many elements of that bill, which passed the House and is awaiting movement in the Senate. She also offers her feelings towards the proposed changes at the federal level.
Vermonters (and the nation) will be rallying on Saturday against the federal government’s continued attacks on our rights, liberties, democracy, our natural resources – and so much more. Join in and demand action at the “Hands Off!” Rally at the State House in Montpelier on April 5th, 12-4pm. Learn more and register here.
And dropping in another reminder that you (or someone you know) can in a new project being headed up by Helena Zuckerman, our legislative intern this year. She’s hoping to interview individuals from ages 5 to 105 from any and all backgrounds to answer a few questions about their experiences with the environment. The interview material will be used to make a video montage capturing the multi-generational differences in perspective on climate. If you’re interested in helping us out, fill out this form.
As always, thanks for listening,
Justin Marsh, Political Director
Vermont Conservation Voters
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