[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND VOTER INTIMIDATION PREVENTION ACT OF 2007

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                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2007

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, recent elections 
have been marred by allegations of deceptive practices that are 
frequently centered in neighborhoods that have a large minority or low-
income population. These communities are littered with inaccurate 
election information in a deliberate effort to prevent voters from 
casting their ballots on Election Day.
  When most people think of violations of the Voting Rights Act they 
envision Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Freedom Riders. However, 
many don't realize that voter suppression still occurs today.
  One example of recent voter suppression hits close to home. During 
the 2006 election, constituents of my sister, Loretta, were targeted. 
Letters were sent to individuals with Spanish surnames, written in 
Spanish, informing them that immigrants voting in a federal election 
were committing a crime ``that could result in incarceration and 
possible deportation...'' These letters were false. Immigrants who have 
become naturalized citizens have as much a right to vote as citizens 
who are born here. In fact, many immigrants have told me that one of 
the great privileges that accompanies their naturalization is the right 
to vote in free elections. This letter disseminated false information 
and ignited fear in the Hispanic community. The clear intention was to 
suppress the Hispanic vote.
  This is just one example--and sadly it is not an isolated incident. 
These types of practices still occur today, all over the country. That 
is why I rise in full support of H.R. 1281, the Deceptive Practices and 
Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 and applaud my colleagues for 
tackling this critical issue.
  H.R. 1281 strengthens the prohibitions on and punishments for 
deceptive practices that aim to keep voters away from the polls. It 
also requires that the Justice Department prevent and end 
misinformation campaigns that mislead voters and prevent them from 
voting.
  The right to vote is one of the most cherished rights granted to U.S. 
citizens. I am proud to support this bill that ensures that those who 
attempt to infringe on that right are stopped and punished.

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