Secretary of State Jim Condos, Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray and Attorney General T.J. Donovan Sign Letter Calling Upon Corporate Leadership to Speak Out Against Voter Suppression

April 20 2021

Montpelier, VT – Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos, Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray and Attorney General T.J. Donovan joined a bipartisan coalition of over 50 current or former statewide elected leaders in signing a letter calling upon corporate leadership to speak out against voter suppression, following the passage of Georgia’s controversial voting rights restriction law. According to the non-partisan Brennan Center for Justice 361 bills aimed at restricting the rights of eligible voters have been introduced in 47 states.

The letter states, in part “we are asking the business leaders in our states, and throughout the country, to add their voices to the growing chorus of corporations standing on the right side of history. When the foundation of our democracy— the freedom of citizens in our states to cast their ballots— is under attack, it is powerful and important when Americans speak up, especially those in leadership positions.”

“The true voter fraud in this country is to deny any eligible American from registering to vote and casting their ballot,” said Secretary Condos, who is Vermont’s chief election official. “Now, more than ever, on the heels of record voter participation in the 2020 election, we need to come together as a country to firmly reject these undemocratic attempts to turn back the clock on voting rights.”

"I'm proud of our state's leadership in removing barriers to the ballot box. In the last election, we saw record turnout not only in Vermont but across the nation. We must oppose efforts to rollback voter participation,” said Lieutenant Governor Gray. “We've witnessed the power of Vermont businesses and businesses nationally in protecting human rights, promoting social responsibility, and upholding the foundations of our democracy. This moment is no different. I applaud and support business leaders in speaking out against voter suppression."

“While Vermont experienced record turnout in the 2020 election, we must acknowledge that efforts to suppress and disenfranchise voters continue to plague our country," said Attorney General Donovan. "I will continue to defend the constitutional right to vote, and I hope business leaders from across the nation join in support of protecting voting rights."

Conversely, in Vermont legislation is being considered to expand the voting franchise, by making the universal mailing of ballots to all voters a permanent fixture of the Vermont General Election.

The full letter can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.