FEINGOLD, KLOBUCHAR, ELLISON WORK TO MAKE VOTING
EASIER FOR ALL AMERICANS
Bill Allowing Election Day Registration is Introduced Following
Supreme Court Decision Allowing Laws Impeding the Right to Vote
May 1, 2008
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Amy
Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) are introducing
legislation to help more Americans register to vote by allowing Election
Day registration at polling places for all federal elections. The Election
Day Registration Act addresses chronic problems with the American electoral
process – low voter turnout and archaic voter registration laws.
Election Day registration is also seen as preferable to advance registration
since voters are actually present when they register, reducing opportunities
for fraud. The bill’s introduction comes days after the Supreme
Court upheld an Indiana voter ID law that seriously impedes the ability
of elderly and low-income Americans to vote. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA)
and Jon Tester (D-MT), who represent states that recently enacted Election
Day registration, are also cosponsors of the bill.
“The right to vote is at the heart of our democracy, and we should
constantly be looking for ways to make it easier for Americans to exercise
that right,” Feingold said. “Election Day registration has
worked well in Wisconsin for more than 30 years and is a major reason
why Wisconsin is a national leader in voter turnout. By allowing people
to register in person on Election Day, we can bring more people into
the process, which only strengthens our democracy.”
“For over 33 years, Minnesota’s same day registration law
has helped produce the highest voter turnout of any state,” said
Klobuchar. “Same day registration works, it encourages people
to be engaged and interested in the issues facing our country –
this bill gives a voice to every American who wants to vote.”
“In America, our right to vote is a sacred right, and a moral
obligation,” Ellison stated. “We must do everything that
encourages, fosters and facilitates everyone’s ability to exercise
that right. Enacting a National Election Day Registration law will help
counter this deeply flawed Supreme Court ruling that disenfranchises
thousands of voters from our most vulnerable communities – the
poor, elderly and minority communities.”
Since 1968, American political participation has hovered at around
50 percent for presidential elections and 40 percent for congressional
elections. Even in 2004, a record-breaking year, turnout was only 55
percent of the voting age population. Election Day registration is a
proven way to increase voter turnout. In 2004, in states which allowed
Election Day registration, turnout was over 70 percent compared to 54
percent in states which do not allow it. Election Day registration can
also be a cost saver by reducing the need for provisional ballots.
Allowing Election Day registration can also address concerns about
potential voter fraud. Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie has
called Election Day registration a “no brainer” and has
said it is more secure than advance registration because “you
have the person right in front of you – not a postcard in the
mail.”
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