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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 28, 2007
CONTACT: Tim Rusch, 212-389-1407, trusch@demos.org
Stuart Comstock-Gay, 212-419-8769, scomstock-gay@demos.org
NATIONAL VOTING RIGHTS GROUP APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION OF "DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND VOTER INTIMIDATION PREVENTION ACT OF 2007" IN US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NEW YORK/WASHGINTON DC--Demos applauds US Representatives Emanuel, Conyers, Holt, Becerra, Honda and Ellison on their introduction of the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, and calls for swift consideration in Congress. The House Judiciary Committee is expected to consider the legislation today, March 28, 2007. Senators Obama and Schumer introduced their Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, S. 453, on January 31, 2007. Demos' Democracy Program Director Stuart Comstock-Gay issued the following statement of support:
"Since its founding in 2000, Demos has worked to eliminate barriers to voter participation--particularly those that affect historically marginalized communities. Reforms like Election Day Registration and full state implementation of the National Voter Registration Act can boost registration and turnout for low-income Americans, people of color, youth, and others. Much of that good work could be undone by the deceptive practices exercised by some partisan operatives and others looking to suppress voting and influence election outcomes.
We have seen unconscionable dirty tricks rolled out in close election campaigns in recent years. Neighborhoods with predominantly low-income residents, and those with high concentrations of Latino and African-American families, are frequently littered with inaccurate election information meant to suppress voting on Election Day. It's time to outlaw these abuses.
In one instance in 2006, registered voters in Virginia received phone messages falsely warning them that the 'Virginia Elections Commission' had determined that they were ineligible to vote. Similar misinformation campaigns were reported in jurisdictions across the country.
The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act would prohibit and punish deceptive practices that aim to keep voters away from the polls on Election Day. Violators would be punished as felony offenders. Victims would receive accurate election information when allegations of deceptive practices are confirmed. And the U.S. Department of Justice would be charged with initiating action when reasonable complaints come to light.
Our democracy can thrive only with the full participation of every eligible citizen. Congress should authorize strong action against any actions meant to undermine the fairness and integrity of our election system."
For more information, or to download Demos research and policy ideas on election reform, including a national Election Reform Agenda briefing book and the Challenges to Fair Elections report series, visit http://www.demos.org/.
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Note to editors: To schedule an interview with Stuart Comstock-Gay or other Demos staff, please contact Tim Rusch or Rebecca Ruiz at 212-633-1405 or at trusch@demos.org.
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