[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ESTABLISHING PROGRAM TO MAKE GRANTS REGARDING BACKUP PAPER BALLOTS

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of the Backup Paper Ballot Bill. This bill will ensure our 
commitment to improving a secure, reliable, accessible voting system 
for all Americans, and help secure our nation's confidence in the 
election result.
  Voting is one of the most fundamental rights in our democratic 
system. The U.S. Constitution promises every eligible American an equal 
and fair opportunity to participate in the political process. In order 
to keep our country strong, we must encourage our citizens to vote and 
when they vote, we must guarantee that their vote will count.
  The 2008 election promises to bring out record numbers to the polls. 
In past elections, such as Florida and Pennsylvania, machine failures 
caused voters to be turned away and long lines at the polls. 
Encouraging the use of emergency paper ballots will help ensure that 
every voter will have their vote count, and make it less likely that 
voters will be turned away from the polls because of machine 
malfunction. Although many states require back up paper ballots they 
don't have the resources to do it.
  This bill will provide grants to state and local governments to 
purchase backup paper ballots in the event that an electronic voting 
system fails to operate properly or there is some other emergency 
situation. Participation would be voluntary and states would have to 
institute eligible programs.
  We must take the necessary precautions to ensure that the voices of 
all Americans are heard in the 2008 election. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in supporting this bill.

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