Schumer and McConnell clash over election reform

Democrats claim the legislation, also known as S.1, would combat voter suppression by making it easier to register and vote, prevent gerrymandering, improve election cybersecurity and reform campaign finance.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell skirmished over election reform during a Senate Rules Committee hearing on a bill that Democrats argue would strengthen voting rights.

Democrats claim the For the People Act, also known as S.1, would combat voter suppression by making it easier to register and vote, prevent gerrymandering, improve election cybersecurity and reform campaign finance, among other initiatives.

The caucus views the legislation as a way to combat a wave of GOP-backed voter restrictions proposed in state legislatures across the US.

The legislation would reform the Federal Election Commission to have five commissioners, down from the current six. No more than two members would be allowed to be members of the same party. The commission is currently divided between three Republicans, two Democrats and an independent.

McConnell said S.1 would create an “implementation nightmare” for election administrators and officials. “This is nowhere near ready for primetime,” he added. “It’s an invitation to total chaos.”