HOUSE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE ADVANCES LEGISLATION EXPANDING VOTER ACCESS
Washington, DC (June 11, 2009): On Wednesday, June 10th, The Committee on House Administration, under the direction of Chairman Robert A. Brady, advanced four legislative measures to expand voter access, reduce barriers to enfranchisement and ensure the impartiality of the U.S. voting system.
“The ability to exercise the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is a defining element of our Democracy,” said Chairman Brady. “We must make every reasonable effort to protect the integrity of our system and ensure that all Americans enjoy equal and unencumbered access.”
H.R. 1604 amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to promote the ability of eligible voters to exercise their right to vote via mail-in ballot. The legislation is designed to remove barriers to voter participation and provide broad, unfettered access for eligible voters. Currently, 28 states allow no-excuse absentee voting, which allows any voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason. No-excuse absentee voting has been shown to reduce election day waiting times, allows more time for consideration of ballot choices and may increase voter participation.
H.R. 2510, sponsored by Committee Member Rep. Susan Davis (D-Ca), amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to allow for the reimbursement of expenses incurred by states that establish tracking and confirmation systems for absentee ballots in federal elections. The legislation, co-sponsored by Elections Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Kevin McCarthy, strives to create an additional layer of accountability for absentee ballots. Reimbursement eligibility extends to internet-based and toll-free telephone tracking systems.
H.R. 2393 – The Military Voting Protections Act of 2009, sponsored by Rep. Kevin McCarthy, amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), to enhance procedures for collection and delivery of absentee ballots cast by active military service members serving overseas. The legislation proposes specific guidelines for ensuring ballot delivery through the use of express mail service and authorizes deadline extensions. The legislation also proposes collaborative efforts with the U.S. Postal Service to track overseas absentee ballots and expands outreach to eligible service members.
H.R. 512 amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, to make it unlawful for a chief State election official to play an active role in a campaign over which they have final certification authority. The legislation enhances the integrity of our voting system by ensuring that State election officials cannot exert undue and inappropriate influence over an election in which they have supported specific candidates. It also works to limit potential conflicts of interest that arise when State election officials must execute their certification duties.
“The U.S. voting system is the manner in which the will of the American people is expressed,” said Brady. “Ensuring the integrity of our system and its accessibility to eligible voters is of paramount importance. We must reject efforts to impose unreasonable restrictions and barriers that effectively disenfranchise large segments of the voting population. These bills represent important steps toward expanding access and ensuring that the voice of the American population is heard.”
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Kyle Anderson
Press Director
Committee on House Administration
1309 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-6157
(202) 225-2061
Kyle.Anderson@mail.house.gov