[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 51 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE DEMOCRACY DAY ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2003

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Democracy Day 
Act of 2003,'' legislation that would provide a day off of work so that 
more of our citizens can vote. I am joined by Representatives Cummings, 
Rodriguez, Wu, Rangel, McGovern, Frost, Kilpatrick, Woolsey, Kaptur, 
Carson (IN), and Davis (IL).
  The United States is the greatest democratic republic in the history 
of civilization, and at the foundation of our democracy is the right to 
vote. This right was not simply handed to Americans; rather, it was 
hard won by many of our Nation's citizens. Today, active citizenship 
demands that Americans cast a vote to have their ``say'' in the 
political arena.
  Despite this privilege, voter turnout has been declining since the 
1960s in both Presidential and mid-term elections. Less than half of 
the voting age population (49.5 percent) voted in the 1996 Presidential 
election, and only 51.2 percent voted in the 2000 presidential 
election. The 1998 midterm elections saw the lowest voter turnout since 
1942 at 36.1 percent. Of the 163 democracies worldwide, the United 
States ranks 139th in voter participation.
  Among several factors causing this decline in voter turnout is the 
fact that many people do not have time to vote on election day. In 
fact, according to a recent Census Bureau study, nearly 25 percent of 
eligible voters cited time constraints or busy work or school schedules 
as the primary reason for failing to vote in the 2000 Presidential 
election.
  The Democracy Day Act of 2003 addresses this problem by providing 
many hardworking Americans with the necessary time off from work so 
they can vote. In addition, the bill would have the added benefit of 
increasing the number of available election day judges, poll workers 
and suitable polling places. It would also serve to decrease long lines 
and the overcrowding that occurs during peak times on election day, as 
well as reinforcing the notion that voting is an important civic duty.
  The movement to ensure that citizens have time to exercise their 
democratic right to vote has gained significant momentum in various 
states. According to the Federal Election Commission, 12 states 
designate election day as a state holiday, some of which close the 
schools in addition to excusing employees from work. In addition, 20 
states provide state employees time off to vote, and in 26 states, 
private sector employees may take time off to vote. It is time the 
Federal Government acts to solidify and coordinate this very important 
movement.
  The night to vote is at the foundation of our democracy, and we must 
do everything we can to ensure that every eligible American has equal 
access to the polling booths. I am hopeful that Congress can move 
quickly to enact this worthwhile and timely legislation.

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