Rep. Friedman Joins Shadow Hearing on Protecting American Democracy

Congresswoman discusses threats to election security and voting rights

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:00am

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with empty desks and chairs, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political uncertainty and the fragility of democratic institutions.As concerns grow over threats to election security and voting rights, a shadow hearing aims to draw attention to the fragility of American democracy.Los Angeles Today

U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) participated in a shadow field hearing on protecting American democracy in Los Angeles today. The hearing focused on concerns over the dismantling of election security infrastructure and efforts to restrict voting access for eligible citizens.

Why it matters

The shadow hearing aimed to draw attention to perceived threats to the integrity of the democratic process, including proof-of-citizenship requirements, voter roll data demands, mail-in voting restrictions, and the potential for federal enforcement at polling places.

The details

Friedman, a member of the House Administration Committee, joined other elected officials and voting rights advocates at the shadow hearing to discuss these issues and propose solutions to safeguard American democracy.

  • The shadow hearing took place on April 7, 2026.

The players

Laura Friedman

U.S. Congresswoman representing California's 30th district and a member of the House Administration Committee.

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What they’re saying

“While our election security infrastructure is being dismantled, this administration is simultaneously making it harder for eligible Americans to vote - pushing proof-of-citizenship mandates, demanding voter rolls from states, restricting mail-in voting, and threatening federal enforcement at polling places.”

— Rep. Laura Friedman, U.S. Congresswoman

The takeaway

The shadow hearing highlighted growing concerns over perceived threats to voting rights and election integrity, underscoring the need for bipartisan efforts to protect the foundations of American democracy.