Press Releases

Today, Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), along with Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), Democratic Caucus Leader John Larson (D-Conn.), Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-Pa.), Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), and APAC Chairwoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.), along with 35 other Members of the House of Representatives introduced a House Resolution, H.Res. 758, calling for a “National Month of Voter Registration.” Representative John Conyers, Jr. released this statement following the introduction of the resolution:

“We are dedicating the month of September as a National Month of Voter Registration, and we challenge every American citizen to take back their right to vote,” said Conyers.

“It is a troubling thought that in 2012, the Congress has to rise up and introduce this bill to protect voting rights.  The Reconstruction Era and Civil Rights movement are in America’s past. However, the threat against voting rights is just as real today, and we are proud to stand with the American people to protect the exercise of their voice in our democracy.

“H.Res. 758 challenges every citizen to register to vote, confirm their voting information is correct on the voting rolls, confirm they know what information to bring on Election Day, and verify that they know where to go to vote on Election Day.

“Since the 2010 elections, misguided efforts in many states have led to the enactment of laws that could turn the clock back to pre-2008 levels of voter registration and voter turn-out.   With no response, thousands of Americans may be subjected to state actions that are not in compliance with our federal voting standards and that harm the franchise.

“The National Month of Voter Registration will challenge civil rights groups, third party voter registration groups, and voting eligible citizens to take action.  This September, we must all rally around this common thread of our democracy, and safeguard the right to vote.”

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