Lawmakers are just pretending to listen

I just listened to a public hearing on House File 590 regarding significant changes to Iowa's voting laws. As I listened to people speaking in-person in favor and against HF590 in the Iowa Capitol, I scrolled through and read the comments submitted online. The majority of those speaking in-person and online do not support the changes proposed which restrict voting access and local election control. Many spoke and wrote eloquently about how the proposed changes would negatively affect Iowa's older voters, rural voters, those with disabilities, and those whose jobs make it challenging to vote on Election Day. Some just plainly stated 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it” challenging the view of the state's Republican leadership that voter fraud is influencing election outcomes. No mention of the record-setting turnout in November, just more insinuation of Trump's big lie. The real clincher was when Rep. Bobby Kaufman, the State Government Committee chair, announced in closing that the vote for HF590 would take place and be on the governor's desk by the end of the week. Well, I guess I just wasted my time as an engaged citizen who still believes our elected officials listen and take into account what Iowans want. It is abundantly clear that Republican leaders in Iowa are only interested in listening to the national Republicans who are now trying to pass laws that will restrict voting.

Carolyn Stephenson

Cedar Rapids