By Brian Brant
(WASHINGTON) As Senate Democrats look to try and pass a landmark voting rights legislation law this week, over 70 companies have also encouraged Congress to act, according to The Independent.
Their request comes as many businesses and corporations condemned Republican-led voting restrictions bills that have increasingly swept the nation, including in Georgia, Texas and in other states as well.
The Brennan Center for Justice reports at least 14 states have passed 22 laws that weaken voting rights.
“These bills work in stark contrast to our interests, and make it more difficult for Americans to have a say in key decisions from healthcare to the economy by limiting our ability to register to vote and cast a ballot early or by mail,” the companies wrote in their letter. “Voting is a fundamental right in our country, and it is up to our elected officials to protect it.”
Ben & Jerry's, Lime, The Skimm, Upworthy and Patagonia are some of the companies calling for Congress to pass the For the People Act, calling it "one of the most significant pieces of legislation to strengthen our democracy since the Civil Rights era."
The For the People Act would make Election Day a national holiday, eliminate partisan gerrymandering and mandate automatic voter registration, among other reforms.
However, this legislation as well as moderate Sen. Joe Manchin's compromise face an uphill battle in the chamber with Republicans crying foul.
“This is not a partisan issue," the companies added. "The For the People Act is not about choosing one party or one issue over another, it is about common-sense reforms that protect and expand our democracy, and put the power in the hands of the people. It is about reaffirming our founding principle that we can chart our own course as a nation.”