U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat from Washington state, faced intense criticism during a town hall on Thursday, where she was nearly drowned out by boos after expressing her support for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
The town hall, attended by hundreds of her constituents in Vancouver, turned tense as many attendees voiced their anger over her vote for the controversial bill, which mandates that voters prove their citizenship before casting a ballot.
Despite Gluesenkamp Perez’s efforts to explain that the bill, in her view, was aimed at protecting the integrity of U.S. elections, the room was filled with vocal dissent. She struggled to make her voice heard over the disruptions throughout the hour-long event, according to KOIN 6.
“I believe Americans want U.S. citizens to be the ones determining the outcome of our elections. Any claim that I am trying to disenfranchise people is absolutely false,” she stated, attempting to clarify her position.
However, the majority of voters in attendance were not convinced. Many seemed frustrated with her stance, especially considering the perception that the SAVE Act could disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Anna Brouns, a local resident, expressed her disappointment, saying, “I came here to hear what she has to say, but it feels like the same rhetoric. I want her to show more passion and be more proactive—more than just talking about ‘shop class’ or what she’s doing behind the scenes.”
Brouns, who supports progressive change, emphasized that she wanted the congresswoman to take a firmer stance and push for concrete actions rather than vague promises.
Despite the hostile atmosphere, Gluesenkamp Perez reiterated her commitment to staying “present, available, and accountable” to her constituents. However, her team confirmed that security concerns prompted her to leave the event immediately after it concluded.
The incident underscores the growing divisions over voting rights legislation and the ongoing tension between moderates and progressives within the Democratic Party. With the SAVE Act facing significant opposition, the controversy surrounding Gluesenkamp Perez’s position is likely to persist as the debate over voting rights continues to unfold.
