Demos Statement on the Introduction of the 2017 New York Votes Act

Wednesday, February 8 (NEW YORK, NY) – Heather McGhee, President of Demos, a New York-based public policy organization and think tank, issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the 2017 New York Votes Act by New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman:

“The problem with our nation’s electoral system is not that too many people are voting – it is that too few eligible people have access to the ballot box. Government at all levels has a responsibility to ensure eligible voters of all races and backgrounds do not have to overcome unnecessary barriers to exercise our constitutional right to vote. Demos applauds Attorney General Schneiderman for taking ownership of that obligation by presenting clear reforms, including removing obstacles to registration and voting, expanding language access, restoring voting rights to parolees and addressing the legal loopholes that have previously enabled discrimination against voters of color. Demos remains committed to advocating for policies like this across the country, in order make it possible for all Americans to participate in our democracy and have their voices heard.”

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