VOTE TO PRESERVE WHAT YOU VALUE
By Cheryl Ward
The Common Good
East Nantmeal is known for its open space and for the policies that preserve the natural landscape we love as residents. A ballot referendum was one step toward this goal; in 2003, 63% of all voters approved an earned income tax increase for the preservation of township land. East Nantmeal has become a “donut hole” of conservation, surrounded by the consequences of the development our votes prevented, but we shouldn’t assume it will remain this way without the ongoing attention of engaged residents.
What else must we protect in the interest of building the common good— reproductive choice? election integrity? gun safety? Yes to each, and this November it’s essential we elect candidates who’ll preserve these and other rights at state and federal levels.
Elections and Their Consequences
Let’s consider the history of national reproductive rights. In 1973 the Supreme Court decided the right to choose was protected by the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. On June 14, 2022, the current Court struck down this precedent of nearly 50 years, a ruling that now allows each state legislature to pass its own laws regarding how, where, why, and if a woman can get a legal abortion.
How could this happen when the majority of Americans support national pro-choice rights? Donald Trump ran on the promise of appointing young, pro-life justices to the Supreme Court. Over his four-year term, Trump successfully nominated three of the five judges who overturned Roe v. Wade in June. Two of his three appointments were made possible by Senate Majority Leader McConnell’s use of contradictory logic to decide which president (incoming or outgoing) names a Supreme Court candidate. By doing so, McConnell created an adaptable structure able to deliver the Senate’s desired results, two more Republican-appointed justices.
The Supreme Court’s opinion that abortion rights (and perhaps gay marriage and contraception) are not constitutionally guaranteed means it’s up to Congress to pass legislation ensuring access nationwide—which is unlikely without a Democrat-controlled House and Senate. In the absence of such a law, reproductive rights remain decided on a state-by-state basis. Future abortion rights in the Commonwealth will depend on November’s gubernatorial election.
Maintaining Pennsylvania’s Balance of Power
Pennsylvania’s legislature, Republican-controlled since 2011, has passed anti-reproductive choice and anti-gun control bills over the years, yet none have become law, thanks to Governor Tom Wolf’s veto power. Such vetoes can be overridden but require a two-thirds House majority vote, which can be difficult-to-attain. Electing Josh Shapiro, the Democrats’ 2022 gubernatorial candidate, will maintain this power balance.
But, if the Republican plan goes into effect, this is what we can expect:
An abortion ban at six weeks with no exceptions for rape, incest, or life of the mother. Wolf has vetoed three anti-abortion bills since 2015. Under current law, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks and may be performed later if the life or health of the mother is in danger.
Appointment of a “like-minded” voter-fraud advocate as the Secretary of State who’ll oversee future elections, including 2024
Expansion of Second Amendment rights like the concealed carry of guns without a permit. Governor Wolf vetoed this law in December 2021.
Withdrawl from the Regional Greenhouse Initiative designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As voters, in addition to electing Josh Shapiro, what else can we do? We must re-elect Katie Muth to the State Senate and elect Paul Friel to the State House. Each moves us closer to a Democrat-controlled state agenda.
Improving the Balance of Power in (THE) U.S. Congress
As of the 2020 election, Democrats have held the majority in the House of Representatives, and technically, the Senate, too, despite its 50/50 Democrat/Republican divide. This is because Vice President Kamala Harris, as president of the Senate, has the authority to cast a tie-breaking vote. However, much Senate legislation has been stymied by filibuster rules requiring passage by 60 votes, instead of a simple majority.
Maintaining or improving Democratic control of each Congressional house is essential. Pennsylvania’s is deemed to be one of four 2022 Senate races potentially increasing Democrats’ hold. But, what is at risk if Republicans assume power:
A future carve-out of existing filibuster rules so laws supported by the majority of Americans of both parties can be passed with a simple majority
National reproductive rights
Needed legislation, as identified by the January 6th Committee, to preserve and protect our democratic processes
As voters, what can we do? We must elect John Fetterman to fill Republican Pat Toomey’s open Senate seat. We must also re-elect two-term House incumbent Chrissy Houlahan.
Election Day
Election Day, November 8th, is close. Until then, stay informed. Volunteer your energy and dollars to the ENDC. It’s your commitment to voting with an educated conscience that preserves what matters: green space, constitutionally guaranteed rights, an open deliberative legislative process, and most importantly our democracy.
