To the Journal editor:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg wanted the choice of her successor to reflect the will of we the people going forward. The public, 67% of us, agree that this close to an election the Supreme Court nomination should be done by the next sitting president.

Despite RBG’s many years of extraordinary public service, her dying wish is to be denied. What price are we the people paying for this denial? What is hanging in the balance? Repeal of the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act now covers 23 million Americans who will lose health care coverage at this time of the COVID -19 pandemic if ACA is repealed.

On a woman’s right to choose, Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “It is essential to a woman’s equality with man that she be the decision maker, that her choice be controlling. If you impose restraints that impede her choice you disadvantaging her because of her sex.” There are 17 cases to come before the Supreme Court which will impact reproductive freedom, access to contraception and health care.

The Equal Rights Amendment was ratified by the 38th state, Virginia. Ruth Bader Ginsburg felt ERA was the bedrock of constitutional law needed to assure equal rights for women. Challenges to ERA will surely be before the Supreme Court.

The appointment of RBG’s replacement will affect the outcome of cases before the Supreme Court especially women’s rights, health care and immigration. We have lost a brilliant woman who worked tirelessly for justice for we, the people.

What can be done? Vote. Be sure your vote is counted. Mail your absentee ballot with two, first-class stamps by Oct. 20. Or drop it off at your clerk’s office or drop box. Absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 3.

Be sure to sign the back side of your absentee ballot envelope. You can check the status of mailed ballot by going to https://www.michigan.gov/vote.

Or vote in person Nov. 3. Tell them Ruth sent you.