SAN
ANTONIO, TX – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Vice Chair of
the Democratic Caucus Special Committee on Election Reform, issued the
following statement.
“Our
election system was put to the test on November 7, 2000, and as a result,
we witnessed the serious flaws that exist in the process today.
Democrats in Congress and throughout the country will not stand idly by
while the next election approaches. We are determined to proceed
because we believe in fair and accurate elections. That is why the
Democratic Caucus Special Committee on Election Reform will gather information
from every corner of our great country, listen to the concerns of our community
leaders and voters, and present Congress with solutions.
“Our
first hearing was held in the birthplace of our nation, the city of Philadelphia.
Now, we move to San Antonio, Texas, a place where immigrants have come
to live the American dream and become full participants in the democratic
process. And I look forward to the Committee’s next hearing, which
will be held in May in my great city of Chicago.
“The
goal of this committee is to ensure that in the next election every vote
counts and that the constitutional right of every voter, no matter their
age, race, gender, disability or religion, is guaranteed. That is
the cornerstone of our democracy.”
Schakowsky
is the author of H.R. 1004, the Provisional Voting Rights Act of 2001.
The bill permits individuals whose names do not appear on a voting registration
list to vote after affirming their right to vote; calls for provisional
votes to be transferred immediately for verification; and requires that
provisional votes be counted unless the state can prove that those voters
should not be allowed to cast their votes. |