Republicans are preparing to launch an all-out assault on sweeping federal voting rights legislation, forcing Democrats to take dozens of politically difficult votes during a committee hearing that will spotlight the increasingly charged national debate over access to the ballot. Democrats say the changes are even more important now as Republican-controlled states impose new voting restrictions after the divisive 2020 election. AdvertisementPresident Biden has said the federal legislation would “restore the soul of America” by giving everyone equal access to the vote. Other Democrats want to pare back the bill to core voting protections to try to put Republicans on the spot. AdvertisementIn the latest version of the legislation, states would have more time and flexibility to put new federal rules in place.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 11, 2021 10:41 UTC