Press Releases

Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) joined Representative John Lewis (D-Ga.), House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.),  Democratic Assistant Leader James Clyburn (D-S.C.), and House Committee on Administration Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-Pa.), in introducing the Voter Empowerment Act.   Over the past year, states across the country have enacted restrictive voting laws that make it harder for millions of eligible voters to register or vote.  This comprehensive voting rights bill will modernize voter registration, ensure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans, and prohibit deceptive practices and voter fraud that keep people from exercising their Constitutional right to vote.

“There is no right more important in our society than the right to vote – it is the foundation of all of our other rights enshrined in the Constitution,” said Conyers.  "Unfortunately, for many citizens the right to vote is in jeopardy and today we stand together to protect that precious right. 

“For the first time since the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s, we are experiencing an unprecedented attack on the right to vote.  In recent years, a vast number of states have enacted voting restrictions through sophisticated methods used to disenfranchise voters.  These new laws do not improve access to voting for millions of minorities, elderly, youth, military, and poor voters and instead may leave these voters without a voice in their government.   

“This is why I am proud to join my colleagues today in introducing the Voter Empowerment Act.

“The loudest sound that exists in a democratic society is the voice of a voter in an election.  Ensuring that every minority, veteran, every senior citizen, every student has the right to vote should not be a partisan issue.  Today, we are at a crossroads: We can make it harder for citizens to register and vote.  Or we can build on the progress of the Civil Rights era and continue to enhance all of our citizens’ access to the ballot.

“I urge this Congress to march forward with the Voter Empowerment Act, and carry out our Congressional imperative to protect every American’s right to vote.”       

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