Civil Rights activist reflects on fight for voting rights as Senate debates legislation

Senators continue the debate over voting rights legislation that Democrats say would make it easier for people to vote.

But Republicans argue those voting changes aren’t necessary.

Tilly Blanding isn’t a well-known name in the history books.

But in her teens, Blanding said she found herself in the middle of the fight for Civil Rights movement and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She even got arrested dozens of times pushing for the right to vote.

“We were so happy when we passed that Civil Rights bill,” said Tilly Blanding.

Blanding said there was so much pride in that moment but now she’s frustrated as she watches the political fight over voting rights in the Senate.

“This is demeaning and degrading. It really is and it breaks my heart to have to see us go through this,” she said.

In her teens, Blanding fought for voting rights in the South and she said she even had gun pulled on her while striking.

She continued her activism with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) but now, she said it’s disheartening to witness this political divide over voting legislation.

“People who look like me were lynched, killed, tormented fighting for the right to vote,” said Blanding. “So don’t let your ancestors roll over in their graves and have died in vain. Get up and vote and change this world.”

The proposals up for debate would expand early voting and voting by mail along with making Election Day a national holiday.

Democrats say these changes are needed to protect voting rights after more than a dozen states passed more restrictive voting laws last year.

But every Republican in the Senate opposes this legislation.

“We should not denigrate American democracy for short term political gain,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R ) Iowa.

Many arguing those changes would make election less secure.

“Weakening widely popular voter id laws and making it harder to produce accurate voter rolls is not about making voting easier. It’s about making cheating easier,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

But Blanding said she’s hopeful the next generation of freedom fighters will continue the movement.

“We have to garner all about power, all of our strength, stay strong on that battlefield,” she said.

The White House says it’s been working with organizations that are pushing to pass voter laws at the state level.

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