[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCING THE VOTER OUTREACH AND TURNOUT EXPANSION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce legislation 
that will significantly alter the ways in which we conduct elections. 
The Voter Outreach and Turnout Expansion Act of 2005, expands upon the 
Help America Vote Act, HAVA, of 2002 to incorporate several necessary 
measures.
  In the aftermath of the 2000 election, Members of Congress united in 
an unparalleled bipartisan effort to pass election reform legislation. 
HAVA was one of the most far-reaching electoral measures since the 
Voter's Rights Act of 1965. This one accomplishment does not, however, 
signify the dissolution of political disenfranchisement within our 
current system.
  In the 2004 Presidential election, we saw numerous problems 
resurface. Again, voters waited for hours to cast their ballots. Across 
the country, newly registered voters were denied access to polls and 
thousands of names were wrongfully removed from voter rolls. These 
egregious acts of disenfranchisement affected those most vulnerable, 
young students, minority communities and the elderly.
  Such problems will continue to persist until further action is taken 
to implement election reform. We must not be afraid to be innovative in 
our solutions. Our greatest political legacies have often been born in 
times of unrest and implemented under the acquiescence of skeptics.
  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. 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 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.
  Throughout these halls, Mr. Speaker, there have been numerous 
discussions of elections, yet the focus has been on who is spending 
what and how. We have become immersed in a discourse that is out of 
touch with the true needs of those we represent. As Members of 
Congress, it is our duty to pro actively address any and all 
institutional restrictions on political participation and civic 
engagement.
  Mr. Speaker, how can we condemn the prevailing apathy among our youth 
if we ourselves personify that same approach? The VOTE Act will both 
engage new generations of voters and empower Americans in every city 
and State, nationwide. Our electoral concerns will not be abated unless 
such far-reaching legislative action is pursued. I urge my colleagues 
to not stand idly and watch our systems continue to weaken, lend your 
support to the Voter Outreach and Turnout Expansion Act.

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