[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ELECTION REFORM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2001

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my fellow 
colleagues, Representatives Steve Rothman, Patrick Kennedy and Heather 
Wilson, David Dreier and Alcee Hastings 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 process is brought up to twenty-first century 
standards.
  The Election Reform Act will establish an Election Administration 
Commission to study federal, state and 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 Defense's 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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