The Associated Press today announced that former Vice President Joe Biden is the apparent winner of the presidential election.
Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, released the following statement in response:
“Our nation’s electoral systems have withstood record turnout, an avalanche of mail-in ballots in a pandemic, and the attacks of a president who would rather tear down democratic norms and institutions than admit he is a loser in a national election. Our democracy worked as it should have: Every vote will be counted. The people will choose their leader — rather than leaders choosing the voters.
“The past four years have been a dark period in American history, marred by division, injustice, and relentless assaults on all of our rights and our lives. But we’ve also seen millions of people, from every corner of the country, come together to exercise their rights, and fight for justice, freedom, and equality. Together, we’ve made our voices heard, again and again — in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box.
“Our 100-year history has shown us that change is always made from the ground up, in our own towns, cities, and states. Here in Massachusetts, voters overwhelmingly rejected four more years of fear and hate. Beacon Hill should take note. Massachusetts must lead freedom forward by passing bold police reform, advancing abortion rights, and keeping families together regardless of immigration status.”