Scanlon and Congressional Colleagues Host Hearing on Protecting American Democracy and the Right to Vote at Widener University

Scanlon and Congressional Colleagues Host Hearing on Protecting American Democracy and the Right to Vote at Widener University

Chester, PA - Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25), Committee on House Administration, today hosted a shadow hearing with Reps. Norma Torres (CA-35), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) featuring presentations from experts about protecting American democracy, including election security, electoral reforms, voting rights, and anti-corruption efforts.

Experts at today's shadow hearing included:

• Omar Noureldin, Senior Vice President of Policy and Litigation, Common Cause

• Amy Widestrom, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania

• Lauren Cristella, President and CEO, Committee of Seventy

• Marian Schneider, Adjunct Professor of Law, Villanova University and former PA election official

This shadow hearing takes place amid widespread concerns over proposals by Republicans and the Trump Administration to restrict voting and allow federal takeover of state elections. Proposals include the SAVE America Act, which could potentially disenfranchise hundreds of millions of American citizens, and efforts to restrict voting by mail.

"Our democracy ultimately depends on Americans choosing to participate in it. When the White House sows propaganda and injects chaos in our elections, it suppresses voter participation," said Rep. Scanlon. "Americans should have confidence that when they cast a lawful ballot, that ballot will be counted. I'm grateful to the experts who joined today's hearing to provide truthful information about our elections, and the various ways that every American can participate in and be an ambassador for our democracy."

"The President and his allies want to take over this election," said Ranking Member Morelle. "Our planned, targeted responses include litigation, effective community organization and mobilization, and promoting early voting. This work is ongoing every day. It's iterative, and there's still a long road ahead, but I'm confident that through this work we will be more prepared than ever this fall and beyond."

Watch a recorded livestream of the event here.

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