Diaz-Balart Votes to Extend Voting Rights Act
Diaz-Balart Votes to Extend Voting Rights Act
Diaz-Balart: Right to Vote Is Cornerstone of Our Nation
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) today voted for the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 (H.R. 9), which extends the expiring provisions of the Voting Rights Act for an additional 25 years and makes certain changes to ensure that these provisions remain consistent with their intended purpose and effective in the future. H.R. 9 passed overwhelmingly in the House.
"The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democratic system of government," Diaz-Balart said. "The Voting Rights Act reflects our nation's commitment to this vital right. This legislation will help us ensure that all of our citizens are able to vote without threat or harassment.
"By renewing these protections, this Congress is ensuring that the rights of minority voters remain protected and the doors of opportunity remain open to all citizens," Diaz-Balart continued.
Voting Rights Act (VRA) Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006:
*
The VRA is one instrumental tool in remedying past and preventing present injustices to American citizens exercising their right to vote.
*
Since its enactment, the VRA has restructured the relationship between states with a history of discrimination and the federal government. Section 5 prohibits those jurisdictions with a history of discrimination from changing election practices and processes without first submitting the changes to the Department of Justice or the District Court for the District of Columbia. Section 5 has helped assure that minority citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in our country's political process and are able to elect their preferred candidates of choice.
*
Section 5 and other important provisions such as 203, have worked together to increase voter participation in our country's elections, increase the number of polling places, and increase the number of minorities serving in our political system.
*
The success of the VRA is reflected in the increased number of minorities participating in the electoral process and in the thousands of minorities serving in local, state, and federal governments, including in the nearly 80 African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans serving in Congress.
http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2006news/071306_votingrightsact.htm