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ELECTION 2000 UNDERSCORED NEED FOR MODERNIZING VOTING SYSTEMS
Thursday January 18, 2001FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2001
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431
REP. DeGETTE AND LOCAL LEADERS UNVEIL BILL TO
IMPROVE NATION’S VOTING METHODS
DENVER, CO — U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) and local voting rights advocates from the Urban League, Common Cause and the Colorado League of Women Voters, today unveiled new legislation to improve and modernize the nation’s voting systems.
The legislation, titled the Voting Study and Improvement Act of 2000, will be introduced in the 107th Congress by Rep. DeGette and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in the House of Representatives, and by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) in the Senate.
The bill will authorize the Federal Election Committee (FEC) to produce a comprehensive report of current voting systems and alternative voting methods no later than December 31, 2001. The bill also creates a $250 million matching grant program for states to upgrade their voting systems.
The bill has strong support from a broad coalition of federal, state, and local officials, as well as leading voting reform advocates.
“The 2000 Presidential election demonstrated just how much our voting systems need to be modernized, and we must take immediate action in order to restore voter confidence,” said Rep. DeGette. “I believe it is Congress’ duty to take a strong, proactive role in addressing the problems that occurred in the Presidential election.”
This important legislation directs the FEC to analyze current voting methods being used in the states and to establish a blueprint for states to use in implementing changes to their voting systems and procedures. The $250 million matching grant program will help states quickly update and fix their systems. Congressional action on the bill is expected in the coming months.
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January 18, 2001
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431
REP. DeGETTE AND LOCAL LEADERS UNVEIL BILL TO
IMPROVE NATION’S VOTING METHODS
DENVER, CO — U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) and local voting rights advocates from the Urban League, Common Cause and the Colorado League of Women Voters, today unveiled new legislation to improve and modernize the nation’s voting systems.
The legislation, titled the Voting Study and Improvement Act of 2000, will be introduced in the 107th Congress by Rep. DeGette and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in the House of Representatives, and by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) in the Senate.
The bill will authorize the Federal Election Committee (FEC) to produce a comprehensive report of current voting systems and alternative voting methods no later than December 31, 2001. The bill also creates a $250 million matching grant program for states to upgrade their voting systems.
The bill has strong support from a broad coalition of federal, state, and local officials, as well as leading voting reform advocates.
“The 2000 Presidential election demonstrated just how much our voting systems need to be modernized, and we must take immediate action in order to restore voter confidence,” said Rep. DeGette. “I believe it is Congress’ duty to take a strong, proactive role in addressing the problems that occurred in the Presidential election.”
This important legislation directs the FEC to analyze current voting methods being used in the states and to establish a blueprint for states to use in implementing changes to their voting systems and procedures. The $250 million matching grant program will help states quickly update and fix their systems. Congressional action on the bill is expected in the coming months.
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