To the Editor:

Did you believe that Roe v Wade would not be overturned? You are not alone. All three of Trump’s Supreme Court candidates professed that Roe v Wade was “established precedent” during their Senate confirmation hearings. They lied.

They all voted to overturn it, along with the other two extreme conservatives on the Court. We were fooled.

Do you believe that a woman’s right to choose is safe in Connecticut? I believe our state and federal Republican candidates have made a practice of being non-transparent.

If you want to protect women’s health and reproductive rights in Connecticut, vote for Democrats; there is no guarantee that Republicans will keep these rights if elected. If you want to codify women’s health and reproductive rights nationwide, vote for Democratic Senators and House Representatives. Don’t be fooled.

Do you believe in free and fair elections? Do you believe your vote should count? If the answers are “yes,” vote for Democrats. I encourage you to research Moore v Harper, a case currently on the Supreme Court’s docket.

The case is based on a debunked right-wing legal theory called the Independent State Legislature Theory, which renders the state courts (including state Supreme Courts) and state constitutions powerless in matters relating to federal elections. The same five Justices who overturned Roe v Wade could decide in favor of this theory.

The outcome could not only result in more extreme partisan gerrymandering, but could also nullify current election rules pertaining to voter registration, mail-in voting, secret ballots, etc. State lawmakers could adopt voter suppression legislation with no checks and balances from state courts or gubernatorial vetoes. The consequences would be devastating in maintaining a functioning democracy.

I think Democrats, if in the majority, could guarantee free and fair elections through federal voting rights legislation. While Republicans, through their Federalist Society appointments to the Supreme Court, are trying to overturn the will of the people. Don’t be fooled.

I believe most Republican candidates and elected officials are not transparent regarding their views and policies because they are aware they are not supported by a majority of the American people. Nevertheless, I think they will do whatever it takes to acquire and remain in power. Minority rule can only be achieved and maintained through autocratic methods of governance. Democracies don’t die overnight.

Election denials, voter suppression, voter subversion, “the press is the enemy of the people,” disinformation, weakened governmental institutions, attacks on law and order, insurrections, hypocrisy, and projection are what kill them. Sound familiar?

If you value your personal liberties, voting rights, the environment, social and racial justice, gun safety, women’s health and reproductive rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, social security, healthcare as a right (not a privilege), and democracy over autocratic rule, vote for Democrats on November 8. Preserving our democracy depends on it.

Don’t be fooled.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Cooper

Sandy Hook