POLL: Is your voice counted in Congress?

In mid-May, House Democratic Leadership changed over 200 years of precedent: Members are now no longer required to be present in Washington to cast their vote on behalf of the people they represent. Under the new procedure of ‘voting by proxy’, Members will be allowed to assign their vote to another lawmaker who will be at the Capitol to cast it for them.

Proponents of the decision to allow voting by proxy argue that this will make the House more efficient and help to slow the spread of COVID-19, while still allowing for a Member to have their vote recorded. 

Opponents of the decision to allow voting by proxy believe it to be a violation of the U.S. Constitution and a relinquishment of our official duty that would deny the American people their voice during a crisis.

I believe the Constitution is clear: Congress is required to assemble to conduct official business and cast their own votes on behalf of those they were elected to represent – and although we create our own rules, I believe we cannot ignore that fundamental requirement. Furthermore, I am deeply concerned that, since I believe proxy voting is not Constitutionally sound, it could endanger the legality of legislation passed by such means.

Regardless of the new rule allowing vote by proxy, I will be in Washington casting my vote on your behalf. 

I want your input on this critical issue: