Voter Empowerment Act Introduced in Congress

[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.

[Laelth]

1. Republicans will probably kill the bill in the House.

It's not like they really want to encourage more people to vote.

-Laelth

[FarPoint]

2. Some may ask what are the key points of the Bill....

Key points of the Brennan Center’s Voter Registration Modernization plan:

•Voluntary, automated registration of all consenting citizens when they come in contact with many government agencies.
•Portable registration, which keeps voters on the rolls even when they move.
•Fail-safe procedures permitting voters to correct missing or out-of-date information online or at the polls.
•Federal funding for state improvements in voting technology that will result in reduced taxpayer costs.
The benefits are substantial:

•It boosts election integrity, providing safeguards against hacking and curbing the potential for fraud.
•It could help bring up to 50 million eligible voters into the political process.
•It costs less than the current paper-based system.
The Case for Voter Modernization

[joeunderdog]

3. this is a good start.

If it isn't made a priority, Dems will lose every advantage they have in winning on merit. The ReTHUGS can't beat us on the issues, so they are corrupting the process. This should be a headline issue, not a footnote.

[stlsaxman]

4. Thank you. Sharing.

[BlueJazz]

5. The very people that consistently use the "Magic words" like Freedom, Safe, Love our country..

...and use their cars to put 6 flags all over it, will be the first ones to say: "We.ve been doing it like this for 60 years, so why change it now?"

[FarPoint]

6. You are exactly right!

They hide behind the flag using it as a shield, but all along, they are behaving exactly the opposite of their Magic Words...

Delusional-Denial-Hypocrisy-....they make me want to puke.

[DhhD]

7. If the GOPeers vote this down, then that vote needs to be made into a campaign

issue in the 2014, 2016, etc., election seasons until they do what is right.

I am tired of elephant piss.

[another_liberal]

8. Excellent!

Now when the Republicans close ranks to fight these bills (as they almost certainly will) Democrats will have another powerful argument to use against them. And if the bills do pass despite Republican opposition, Democrats will have won a significant victory which will be appreciated by voters all across the country. It's a win/win if there ever was one!

[judesedit]

9. Get rid of the electoral college. We don't want or need it. One person, one vote!

[toddwv]

10. The GOP's worst nightmare.

People voting.

[libtodeath]

11. The last thing repukes want is we the people exercising our right to vote.

[uponit7771]

12. They should be very loud and upfront on who votes against it