Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban urges West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to support Freedom to Vote Act

1:00 PM

The Freedom to Vote Act was supported by a group of sports figures from West Virginia, including Alabama football coach Nick Saban.

The letter was signed by Jerry West, former West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck, former NFL All-Pro Darryl Talley and former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Manchin and Sinema have refused to support making a filibuster exception for the voting rights bill. Legislation can be kept off the Senate floor indefinitely if there is not enough votes to overcome the filibuster.

Manchin said in a statement last week that the consequences of eliminating or changing the filibuster would only make the situation worse.

The Freedom to Vote Act aims to expand voter registration and voting access. Election Day would be a federal holiday.

The letter to Manchin said that they supported legislation that would protect the rights of voters and the integrity of outcomes. The Freedom to Vote Act was sponsored by you and other colleagues. We support your leadership in shaping legislation to secure our democracy by protecting election integrity, Presidential transitions and our national security during transitions.

Some of the most popular sports leagues and conferences are where we come from. Some of us have roots in West Virginia. Some of us have been rivals in business and sports. When voting is open to everyone, the referees are neutral, and the final score is accepted, democracy is best.

Manchin is a friend and supporter of Saban.

"I've never endorsed a candidate, nor will I ever endorse a candidate or get involved in politics in any way, shape or form," said the football coach. I don't think that's where I should be.

The process of vote certification must be nonpartisan, professional and transparent according to the letter to Manchin.

The letter said that the principles are under challenge. In the last year, some 20 states have enacted laws that restrict voting access and allow local officials to interfere with Federal election outcomes. Motivated by the unexpected outcomes of recent close elections, these state laws seek to secure partisan advantage by eliminating reliable practices with proven safeguards and substituting practices ripe for manipulation.

We will encourage others in sports, business and other endeavors to join us in endorsing the concepts set forth in this letter to complement your efforts to have the Senate pass balances and widely supported legislation.