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.” |
