A recent article in the OBSERVER was headlined, “Group supports Freedom to Vote Act.”

I was very confused. I assumed that we already have the freedom to vote in this country. So what is the group supporting?

Approximately 50 activists gathered in Washington Park in the city of Dunkirk to hold a vigil supporting the Freedom to Vote Act. The organizer Janey Wagner declared, “those of us gathered here take seriously (that) our right to vote has been compromised in the area where poor people live in order to suppress the power of their votes.” She also stated that we need federal legislation to standardize access to voting across the United States and provide the election security that all of us desire.

The event participants were encouraged to write to thank U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for supporting this important legislation/supposed legislation. Several speakers provided information about the provisions of the Freedom to Vote Act and gave moving personal anecdotes about voting. Later, speakers concluded their remarks, participants held flashlights and a five minute period of silence and prayer and meditation were observed, highlighted by the sounds of children’s voices and distant church bells. Several groups attended such as the League of Women Voters and the office of Mayor Wilfred Rosas.

OK, so let’s take a hard look at this event. As far as I know, this country has had he freedom to vote forever. So what is the problem? Everyone in this country has the right to vote. It doesn’t matter who they are or what nationality they are. No one is deprived the right to vote. So what is all this about? Schumer and Gilibrand and their party do not want any type of identification at the voting places. So who knows? Is this all part of this event? If it is, then all of this is pure propaganda. We all have the right to vote, period.

No one is compromised.

Richard Makuch is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com