Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:

“We deeply mourn the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a decades-long defender of equal rights for all Americans. We’ll remember her for her tenacity and commitment to the pursuit of justice for all, from protecting rights for women and LGBTQ people, to advocating for racial justice and equal access to health care.

“She was also an ardent defender of our democracy to ensure that all Americans can have their voices heard. When asked about the Court’s worst decisions, Ginsburg replied: “‘If there was one decision I would overrule, it would be Citizens United. I think the notion that we have all the democracy that money can buy strays so far from what our democracy is supposed to be. So that’s number one on my list…Perhaps number three would be Shelby County, involving essentially the destruction of the Voting Rights Act.’”

“In honor of Justice Ginsburg’s legacy, we urge every U.S. Senator to ensure that all voters are able to maintain their right to have a voice in choosing our next U.S. Supreme Court Justice. With less than 50 days until the election, it would be wrong for the Senate to consider a replacement for Justice Ginsburg before the inauguration. Any Supreme Court Justice nominated by the current administration would undoubtedly continue to undermine our nation’s endangered democratic values and diminish the voice and will of voters for generations to come. 

“Our rights are at risk. It is more important now than ever for Americans to show up at the ballot box and vote for the people. The principles that Justice Ginsburg championed throughout her career and the critical issues facing our nation will only see progress with a transformation of our democratic systems. Ensuring that all voices are heard in this election is the first step to restore accountability to our democracy so that the government — including our courts — reflects, represents, and responds to us. 

“Anything less will be an insult to Justice Ginsburg’s legacy. We owe it to her to uphold and build on the progress she has already made for the rights of Americans everywhere.”