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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2006
Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner
(202) 226-7797

 

Congressman Jim Davis to Oppose Voter Disenfranchisement Bill

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Davis will vote against H.R. 4844, the Voter ID Act of 2006, legislation that would effectively disenfranchise countless American citizens. 

 

Starting in 2008, the Voter ID Act would require voters in all federal elections to present a government-issued photo ID, with a current address, or mail in a copy to receive their absentee ballot.  By 2010, voters would be required to show proof of U.S. citizenship as well, although only two states currently indicate citizenship on their driver’s licenses.  Citizens who do not have current copies of the necessary IDs, birth certificates or naturalization papers would receive no assistance with the cost of acquiring these documents. 

 

“Just two months ago, I joined my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in celebrating the renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, legislation which for the first time broke down the obstacles that were disenfranchising millions of Americans,” said Congressman Jim Davis.  “Today, the Republican Leadership seeks to undermine the very rights guaranteed under the Voting Rights Act – liberties that America’s civil rights leaders risked their lives to protect.”

 

“This legislation will disproportionately affect the very people who need their elected officials’ help the most - the poor, minorities, the elderly and students – those who are least likely to have or be able to afford a government issued photo ID with a current address.  Countless voters could be turned away from the polls – a recent college graduate whose current address does not match up with his ID, a newly married woman whose maiden name still appears on the voter rolls, or a poor, elderly man who has lost his ID and cannot afford the renewal fee.”

 

“In 2002, I voted for the Help America Vote Act, which contained voter fraud prevention measures.  Even though the Republican Leadership has failed to fully fund this important law, HAVA is working. Instead of passing the Voter ID Act, Congress should be seeking new ways to encourage more citizens to vote.  We should start by fully funding HAVA and passing H.R. 550, the Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act, which would require voting machines to produce a voter-verified paper record of all votes.”

   


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