davidscott.house.gov

Rep. David Scott
Contact: Chandra Harris 770-210-5073


Congressman David Scott Condemns Republican Voter ID Bill

Washington, Sep 20 -

 Today Congressman David Scott (D-GA) spoke out strongly against H.R. 4844, the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006. The Republican-sponsored measure will cause undue burdens on many populations, particularly the elderly, disabled, minority, students, low-income and rural, by imposing new photo ID requirements for all voters in federal elections. The bill also fails to define what constitutes an official ID and cite specific evidence justifying its passage.

“This dastardly, un-American bill is a shameless and divisive attempt by Republicans to target certain voters,” Congressman Scott said. “If implemented, this unconstitutional legislation amounts to an unfunded mandate and modern day poll tax. Not everyone drives a car or even has a birth certificate. Furthermore, many individuals will be disenfranchised because of mobility issues, lack of education, or insufficient means of purchasing a voter ID card.”

Scott continued, “Georgia has on three occasions struck down a similar bill because of the inequities and discriminatory aspects of the legislation. Just yesterday, on a fourth try, Fulton County Superior Court Judge T. Jackson Bedford, Jr. tossed the legislation out. The judge deemed Georgia’s similar law violates the very constitutional rights of the state’s voters. In addition, the judge argued there wasn’t enough time allotted to educate voters on the new voter rules.”

“H.R. 4844 will not make our elections more secure,” Congressman Scott added. “H.R. 4844 is an election year sham playing to the hearts and minds of the American public’s concern about national security. Only months after the much-celebrated bipartisan renewal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Congress should not be developing new ways to limit the right to vote. We have come too far with our voting rights laws in discouraging discriminatory voting practices. Passing this legislation would only set us back.”

Congressman Scott voted against H.R. 4844, which the House passed by a 228-196 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate for action.