During a forum in Jackson, Wyoming U.S. Representative Liz Cheney said election reforms are needed, but she opposes ideas that would infringe on a state’s ability to run an election.
The event was called Defending our Constitution and Elections. When asked why she opposed the 2021 John Lewis Freedom to Vote Act, Cheney said she opposed the atct and other proposed legislation that she said would give the federal government too much power to control states.
Cheney said there are some reforms she supports, such as Voter I.D.
“Making sure that we have absentee ballots open and counted. We need to have an end to the election, it’d be nice to have the end be on election day. I think that we also ought to work to clean and clear out voter rolls,” said Cheney.
She also opposes ballot harvesting, which is when a group or individual collects ballots and turns them in for others. Cheney said the solution is to empower states to ensure the integrity of elections.
On another topic, Cheney said partisanship and vitriol has made it harder to work across the aisle, but she added the solution has to do with people.
Cheney noted that while what happened on January 6 was a unique event, having upheaval and turmoil in government isn’t new. Cheney agreed there are things Congress could do to encourage civility, but they can only do so much.
“At the end of the day, if we elect people who are willing to blow through the guardrails of democracy, the laws lose their power. That’s why one of the most important things we have to do is elect good people,” said Cheney.
The event was hosted by the organization Issue One.