Anniversary of January 6th

The Department of Legislative Affairs Reflects on the Anniversary of January 6th

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the attack on the United States Capitol intended to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power. This was a direct attack on American democracy and the Constitution. Free and fair elections are central to a representative government.

While the election results were certified fairly and accurately despite the intrusion, we can not afford to relax in our defense of democracy. The “Global State of Democracy Report” released in November classified the United States as a backsliding democracy for the first time. The report stated, “Baseless allegations of electoral fraud and related disinformation undermined fundamental trust in the electoral process, which culminated in the storming of the US Capitol building in January 2021.” States across the country also passed bills aiming to make it harder to vote, particularly for poor people and racial minorities. This is not an issue to take lightly. We must actively fight to reinforce respect for democracy and our fellow citizens.

On this one-year anniversary, let us remember these events and recognize the immense privilege we have to participate in a free and fair democracy. Our democracy is strongest when every American is aware of their community’s needs and acts with compassion for their neighbors.

The Associated Students of the University of Nevada stand firmly in support of voting rights and fair democratic procedures. We renew our commitment to democracy and the peaceful transition of power on this anniversary.