Warner Refuses to Support Voting Rights 

August 5, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charleston, W.Va. — On the eve of the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and just weeks after this country celebrated the life and work of civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, Secretary of State Mac Warner owes the people of West Virginia an explanation and apology for not supporting the Voting Rights Act. 

During the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) 2019 Summer Conference, Warner refused to support a long-standing resolution that shows support for the VRA, the National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Law) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). 

In part, the resolution states “WHEREAS, NASS continues to achieve reforms designed to improve voter turnout and election administration, including support of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 1993 National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act of 2002…”

 Warner was one of only four secretaries across the country to vote against supporting the most significant voting rights reforms in our lifetime. 

“It’s unthinkable a secretary of state would oppose laws protecting and enhancing the voting rights of so many West Virginians,” said Natalie Tennant, candidate for Secretary of State. “It’s an embarrassment to the state that a sitting secretary went on a national stage and voted no to supporting voting rights.” 

West Virginia’s Secretary of State is the Chief Elections Officer that oversees the election process including voter registration.

 Warner’s blatant disregard to supporting West Virginia voters is also seen in his refusal to implement automatic voter registration. He doesn’t even believe in the Motor Voter law that made it more accessible and convenient for people to register to vote at motor vehicle agencies. 

“We deserve better, we shouldn’t have to wonder if our Secretary of State has our back and will protect our voting rights,” Tennant said. “Mac Warner’s actions have proved what he truly feels about West Virginia voters.” 

• He has shown he doesn’t support the most significant voting reforms of our lifetime.
• He has shown he doesn’t want to make registering to vote more accessible by refusing to implement Automatic Voter Registration.
• He has shown that he is willing to confuse voters and change the rules on them in the middle of an election during a pandemic.

Warner owes West Virginia an apology for not standing up for their voting rights.

###