[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 51 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E621-E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCING THE VOTER OUTREACH AND TURNOUT EXPANSION ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Voter Outreach and Turnout Expansion Act of 2003. The VOTE Act 
encompasses the best state voting practices in the country and is a 
progressive approach toward further reforming the way we run our 
elections.
  Last year, in passing the Help America Vote Act, Congress made the 
historic statement that the federal government does in fact play a role 
in establishing minimum standards in federal elections. Today, as the 
fight to fund the Help America Vote Act continues in the 108th 
Congress, it is also appropriate for Congress to consider legislation 
that expands voting opportunities for all Americans far beyond those of 
current law.
  Many states across the country have already taken steps to expand 
accessibility to the polls and encourage its citizens to vote. Now, 
riding the coattails of the Help America Vote Act, Congress must do the 
same.
  To accomplish this important task, Mr. Speaker, the VOTE Act takes 
aim at combating voter apathy through same day voter registration, 
early voting, no excuse absentee voting, improved registration by mail 
procedures, the establishment of an Election Day holiday, and 
guaranteed leave on election day to allow employees to vote. 
Specifically, the legislation does the following:
  The VOTE Act requires states to establish same-day voter registration 
procedures. Under the legislation, voters who have not previously 
registered to vote will be permitted to register on election day at the 
appropriate polling location and vote in that election. To address 
concerns over voter fraud that in the past so many of my colleagues 
have suggested occurs, voters are required to present proof of 
residence and written confirmation pursuant to the Help America Vote 
Act. Title I of the bill is linked to the enforcement provisions of the 
Help America Vote Act to ensure states' compliance.
  Further, the VOTE Act requires local elections supervisors to 
establish early voting polling locations within the jurisdiction where 
registered voters will be able to vote prior to election day. Early 
voting must commence no less than 22 days, or three weeks, prior to 
election day and shall be made available to voters during normal 
business hours each weekday. Additionally, elections supervisors must 
make early voting available to voters on no less than two weekend days 
during the three weeks.

  The bill also prohibits states and local supervisors from requiring 
voters to provide a reason for voting absentee. All too often, voters 
become discouraged from voting absentee, or just voting at all, because 
they are required to provide a reason. This is just plain wrong. Voting 
should not be a test where excuses are not permitted. On the contrary, 
absentee voting should be an option--and an easy one to take advantage 
of at that.
  The VOTE Act also amends the Help America Vote Act to require that 
election supervisors provide voters with adequate time and opportunity 
to complete their mail-in voter registration form. In instances where 
the state registration deadline has already passed, supervisors are 
required to inform the voter of same-day voter registration 
opportunities that exist.
  Further, my legislation requires that federal employees be given the 
day off on Election Day and encourages states to make Election Day a 
legal holiday and provide paid leave for state government employees.
  Finally, the VOTE Act requires private companies with 25 or more 
employees to allow their staff to take up to 2 hours of paid or unpaid 
leave time to vote. Employees who live

[[Page E622]]

more than 25 miles away from their workplace are allowed to take up to 
three hours of leave. Enforcement of these provisions is tied into the 
Family Medical Leave Act. By and large, Americans who do not vote cite 
employment as the top reason for not voting. The VOTE Act allows them 
to work and vote without the fear of losing their jobs in the process.
  My legislation, Mr. Speaker, is not the silver bullet to improving 
our election system. However, it draws upon the best practices in the 
country in an effort to maximize voter turnout and participation in the 
democratic process. Congress cannot and will not drive up participation 
in elections without the progressive minded approach that is embedded 
in the VOTE Act.
  If we do not make it easier for people to vote, then they just won't. 
Congress must provide voters with more opportunities to vote. If it 
does not, then national turnout percentages will rarely exceed 50 
percent, and we will never be able to call ourselves a true democracy.
  I urge my colleagues to support the VOTE Act and call on the 
Leadership to bring it to the floor for its immediate consideration.

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