Nick Saban, others urge Manchin to protect voting rights

By LEAH WILLINGHAM
Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban and other sports figures with ties to West Virginia are urging Sen. Joe Manchin to support sweeping legislation to protect the right to vote. The voting rights bill would make Election Day a national holiday and require access to early voting and mail-in ballots. The Senate took up the bill Tuesday, but it appeared headed for defeat. Voting advocates have warned that Republican-led states have passed laws making it more difficult for minorities to vote. A letter signed by Saban, NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West and others said the principles that help ensure fair and free elections are “now under intentional and unprecedented challenge.”