I am writing to encourage my fellow Valley residents to write, email, or call their state representatives (Sen. Mark Mullet, Rep. Jay Rodne, and Rep. Paul Graves) and ask them to support House Bills 1800, 2595, 2455, 5019, 1513, and 1896, which would strengthen voting rights in Washington State.

For the past year, our democracy has been threatened like never before in modern history. The answer is more, not less, democracy. Voting is an American birthright, and no American who wants to vote should face barriers. Civics should be taught to all students in every age group. The bills I listed remove barriers, encourage voting, and require civics education in public schools.

If we believe voting is at least as important as obtaining a driver’s license, we should let our 16-year-olds know that by supporting these bills. Voting rights should not be partisan. Though a particular candidate may gain an advantage in a particular race through voter suppression, gerrymandering, or low voter turnout, democracy loses.

Support American values and strengthen voting rights.

Deborah Bellam

Snoqualmie