Voter Empowerment Act Introduced in Congress [View all]

[FarPoint]

http://www.pdacommunity.org/component/content/article/156-cfte-articles/2598-voter-empowerment-act-introduced-in-congress


Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Reps. John Lewis (D-Ga.), James Clyburn (D-S.C.), and Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) introduced tandem legislation to update the nation’s antiquated voting systems.

The bills launched last week on the 49th anniversary of the 24th Amendment, which eliminated the poll tax. They closely follow the Brennan Center’s longstanding recommendations for voting reform.

“The ramshackle voter registration system is a prime cause of long lines and Election Day chaos. We have a chance to modernize our elections so that every eligible citizen is on the rolls, with lower costs and greater election security,” said Brennan Center President Michael Waldman. “On Election Day, President Obama said we need to fix this. Here’s how.” Read Waldman’s Reuters op-ed on the bill.

The Brennan Center also held a National Press Club briefing in Washington, D.C. with leading secretaries of state to discuss modernizing the voting system, including voter registration. Speakers included (from left) the Brennan Center’s Wendy Weiser, Hon. Ross Miller (D-Nev.), Campaign Legal Center’s Beverly Hudnut, Hon. Alvin Jaeger (R-N.D.), Hon. Kate Brown (D-Ore.), and Hon. Mark Ritchie (D-Minn.). Watch video here.