Larsen Bill Fights Discrimination Resulting From Voter ID Laws

Press Release

Citizens' fundamental right to vote would have more protection if a bill authored by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, is enacted. In advance of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act next week, Larsen today reintroduced the America Votes Act of 2015. The bill would allow voters to sign a sworn written statement attesting to their identity if they do not have the identification required at their polling place.

"Instead of looking for ways to keep people from voting, we should be looking for ways to break down barriers so all people can fully participate in our democracy. The America Votes Act is a straightforward bill to fight voter identification laws that disenfranchise citizens and undermine our democracy. As our country commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Congress should seize this opportunity to protect the vote for all eligible citizens," Larsen said.

The Voting Rights Act (VRA) was enacted on August 6, 1965, to prohibit racial discrimination in voting. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down the section of the VRA that required jurisdictions with a history of discrimination against minority voters to clear election changes with the federal government. Larsen's bill would help correct discrimination resulting from state voter ID laws.

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