[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     THE INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS PROCEDURES ACT

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, even at the dawn of the twenty-first century, 
there are many states and localities that conduct their elections in 
ways that are outdated, slow, unreliable, inaccurate, and inaccessible 
to many.
  One need not look further than the turmoil surrounding the 2000 
Presidential election to see the disparities of our electoral process. 
For instance, while some counties in Florida have modern voting 
machines that leave little room for error, others use dated punch-card 
ballots, that can lead to the now-famous hanging and dimpled chads.
  That is why I rise to introduce the ``Commission on Elections 
Procedures Act,'' which establishes a bipartisan commission to study 
the Federal, State, and local electoral process and to make 
recommendations on the implementation of standardized voting 
procedures.
  The long national nightmare of the 2000 Presidential vote counting 
has taught us, Republicans and Democrats alike, that we need to improve 
the instruments of voting and the means of electing our office holders. 
Even the Supreme Court Justices spoke of the need for uniform voting 
procedures.
  Let me be clear: unlike some legislation that has been introduced in 
this regard, this is not a federal mandate of election standards. This 
bill simply calls for a study to determine if standardization is 
necessary and to recommend what changes can be made to improve our 
electoral process.
  I understand that a rural state like North Dakota has voting problems 
that are different than those faced by a more urban state like New 
Jersey. Urban and rural areas have unique difficulties with voting. My 
legislation recognizes these differences and will work to find a common 
solution. While all areas could face problems of the cost of transition 
to a new system, I am confident that money can be found to assist the 
states in this area.
  By establishing a commission to study the issue and to review the 
unique circumstances of each state, we have a chance to find a solution 
that will work for everyone.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill.

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