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Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH-11)

SENATORS CLINTON AND BOXER, REPRESENTATIVE TUBBS JONES AND OTHERS
 TO UNVEIL MAJOR ELECTION REFORM BILL

Legislation Would Enact Sweeping Reforms by Next Major Election Cycle in 2006

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today unveiled comprehensive voting reform legislation to make sure that every American is able to vote and every vote is counted.  Senators Clinton and Boxer announced the legislation today in a press conference joined by Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH), who will sponsor the legislation in the House of Representatives, and voting rights advocates. 

“Voting is the most precious right of every citizen, and we have a moral obligation to ensure the integrity of our voting process,” said Senator Clinton.  “The smooth functioning of our democracy depends on voters having faith in the fairness and accuracy of our voting system, and the Count Every Vote Act is an important step toward restoring this covenant.  We must be able to easily and accurately count every vote so that every vote counts.”

Added Senator Boxer: “Every citizen of this country should be guaranteed that their vote matters, that their vote is counted, and that in the voting booth, their vote has a much weight as that of any CEO, any member of Congress, or any President.  Our democracy is the centerpiece of who we are as a nation, and we must take action to ensure that the American people have full confidence in our electoral system.”

"I am pleased to join with Senators Clinton and Boxer in introducing companion legislation in the House as we continue our efforts to ensure that every American is afforded their Constitutional right to vote," said Representative Tubbs Jones.  "This legislation seeks to combat the tremendous voting irregularities that plagued both the 2000 and 2004 elections. If in fact we see it is our obligation to secure democracy around the world, to monitor and oversee free and fair elections in other countries, most recently in Iraq, then we must ensure, protect and guarantee the right to vote right here at home."

The Count Every Vote Act of 2005 will provide a voter verified paper ballot for every vote cast in electronic voting machines and ensures access to voter verification for all citizens, including language minority voters, illiterate voters and voters with disabilities.  The bill mandates that this ballot be the official ballot for purposes of a recount.  The bill sets a uniform standard for provisional ballots so that every qualified voter will know their votes are treated equally, and requires the Federal Election Assistance Commission to issue standards that ensure uniform access to voting machines and trained election personnel in every community.  The bill also improves security measures for electronic voting machines. 

To encourage more citizens to exercise their right to vote, the Count Every Vote Act designates Election Day a federal holiday and requires early voting in each state.  The bill also enacts “no-excuse” absentee balloting, enacts fair and uniform voter registration and identification, and requires states to allow citizens to register to vote on Election Day.  It also requires the Election Assistance Commission to work with states to reduce wait times for voters at polling places.  In addition, the legislation restores voting rights for felons who have repaid their debt to society.