[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    INTRODUCTION OF THE DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND VOTER INTIMIDATION 
                         PREVENTION ACT OF 2007

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                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2007

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join with Representative 
Rahm Emanuel in jointly introducing the Deceptive Practices and Voter 
Intimidation Prevention Act. America's election system is broken and it 
is up to this Congress to fix it. Consecutive elections have shown us 
that eligible voters are denied their right to cast a ballot. 
Disturbingly, misinformation campaigns are often responsible for 
keeping these voters away from the polls.
  I believe this legislation is a step towards ending deceptive 
practices and bringing integrity back to our elections. It is a direct 
response to the fraudulent tactics used to undermine our elections. 
This bill explicitly prohibits deceptive practices and provides voters 
with greater federal protections.
  Numerous accounts indicate deceptive practices were employed 
throughout the country in our last midterm and presidential elections. 
Voters were told to vote on the wrong day. They were told they could 
not vote with outstanding parking tickets. Ultimately, they were 
misled, deceived, and disenfranchised. This must stop.
  In 2006, our most vulnerable voters--legal immigrants and 
minorities--were prevented from voting. Latino voters in Orange County, 
California were threatened with incarceration if they voted. African 
American voters in Prince Georges County, Maryland were given fliers 
with false endorsements. These tactics are despicable and those 
responsible for them must be held accountable.
  Under our legislation, those that engage in deceptive practices will 
be held accountable. Additionally, the federal government will be held 
responsible for protecting and advancing the right to vote.
  Deceptive electioneering practices are clearly defined and prohibited 
under this bill. The Attorney General and the Department of Justice are 
required to combat and counteract deceptive practices. These measures 
will ensure that voters can cast a ballot free from intimidation, 
harassment, and deceit.
  Deceptive practices do more than impede the right to vote. They 
threaten to erode the very core of our democracy. By eliminating 
barriers to the polls, we can help to restore what has been missing 
from our elections--fairness, honesty, and integrity.

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