[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IMPOSING AMERICA'S VOTING SYSTEM

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my fellow 
colleagues, Representatives Steve Rothman, Patrick Kennedy and Heather 
Wilson, are pleased to introduce meaningful, bipartisan legislation to 
reform the administration of our nation's elections. The Election 
Reform Act will ensure that our nation's electoral prices is brought up 
to twenty-first century standards.
  The Election Reform Act will establish an Election Administration 
Commission to study federal, state local voting procedures and election 
administration and provide grants to update voting systems. The 
legislation combines the Federal Election Commission's Election 
Clearinghouse and the Department of Defenses' Office of Voting 
Assistance, which facilitates voting by American civilians and 
servicemen overseas, into the Election Administration Commission, 
creating one permanent commission charged with electoral 
administration.
  The Commission will be comprised of four individuals appointed by the 
President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Commission 
will conduct an ongoing study and make recommendations on the ``best 
practices'' relating to voting technology, ballot design and polling 
place accessibility. Under this legislation, the Commission will 
recommend ways to improve voter registration, verification of 
registration, and the maintenance and accuracy of voter rolls.
  It is vital that we establish this Commission as a permanent body. 
Many issues and concerns surrounding elections necessitate a continual 
review of ever-changing technologies. A permanent Commission will be 
best suited to facilitate the sharing of information about new, cost-
effective technologies that can improve the way we administer elections 
in America.

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