Post-Jan. 6th, PA Officials Call for Protecting Right to Vote

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By: Emily Scott

One year after the Jan. 6 insurrection, Pennsylvania officials and political observers gathered at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, to call for action in preserving the right to free and fair elections.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., recalled preparing to defend the state’s Electoral College votes when the riot began and the Capitol complex was evacuated. Twelve months later, Scanlon said it is critical for the Senate to pass changes to the filibuster, and pass election laws, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

“The fact that an archaic Senate rule, which is not in the Constitution, the fact that, that has enabled an extremist minority to hold up such critical legislation is unacceptable,” Scanlon contended. “Especially in the wake of an all-out assault on the U.S. Constitution.”

Four people died during the Jan. 6 riot. More than 60 of the 700 people who have been charged with federal crimes in connection with the insurrection are from Pennsylvania.

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Attorney General, the event’s keynote speaker — now running unopposed as the Democratic nominee for governor — said it is crucial to preserve the vote-by-mail system, which was used by millions of Pennsylvanians during the pandemic.

“And I think we need to expand voter access, and do things like same-day voter registration,” Shapiro stated. “Our Commonwealth is the birthplace of our republic. Time and time again, people across the world look to us as a shining example of what democracy can achieve.”

Also at the event, Philadelphia Councilmember Helen Gym moderated a panel of local advocates who reflected on witnessing the Jan. 6 insurrection unfold, and on the work they’ve done since then to help protect the electoral process.