Bustos Continues Push to Expand & Protect Access to Ballot Box for Eligible Voters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) continued her push to expand and protect access to the ballot box for eligible voters by announcing support for the Automatic Voter Registration Act. This new legislation would help uphold the American principle that every eligible citizens deserves a voice and a vote in our democracy.
“As we recognize the 50th Anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act later this year, we must renew our call to action to ensure every eligible American has the right to participate in our democracy,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “That’s why I’m proud to support this new effort to expand and protect access to the ballot box for all eligible voters.”
The Automatic Voter Registration Act amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require that States ensure anyone who provides identifying information to the State motor vehicle authority is automatically registered to vote in that State. Under the Automatic Voter Registration Act, citizens who do not wish to register to vote will be given a 21-day period to opt out of voter registration. Similarly, individuals who do not meet eligibility requirements will not be registered.
Earlier this year, Bustos continued her ongoing efforts to strengthen voter protections by backing the bipartisan Voting Rights Amendment Act. This bill would restore vital voting protections in light of the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision that invalidated a key section of the 50 year old Voting Rights Act. In the first year after the decision, 10 voting changes in seven states have raised concerns about voter discrimination. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has documented 148 separate instances of discrimination in voting between 2000 and 2014.
In March, Bustos commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the “Bloody Sunday” Selma voting rights march along with a bipartisan group of over 90 other Members of Congress as part of the Faith & Politics Institute’s 15th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage.
The Automatic Voter Registration Act was introduced last week by Congressman David Cicilline (RI-01).
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