[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND VOTER INTIMIDATION PREVENTION 
                              ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2009

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Deceptive 
Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2009. During our 
elections, including the 2008 election, we have witnessed numerous 
attempts, some of them successful, to disenfranchise our eligible 
voters. Deceptive practices and voter intimidation, age-old voter 
disenfranchisement tactics, continue to keep voters away from the polls 
today.
  The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act is a 
critical effort in ensuring fairness and integrity in our elections. It 
is a direct response to the fraudulent tactics used to undermine our 
elections. Every eligible voter should be able to vote free of 
intimidation, harassment, and harm.
  Numerous accounts indicate that deceptive practices have been 
employed throughout the country in our elections. Voters have been told 
to vote on the wrong day. They have been told they could not vote with 
outstanding parking tickets. Ultimately, they were misled, deceived, 
and disenfranchised.
  During the 2008 election, a phony flyer circulated in Virginia 
telling Democratic voters that they were to vote on Wednesday instead 
of Tuesday. During the 2006 midterm, Latino voters in Orange County, 
California, were threatened with incarceration if they voted and 
African American voters in Prince George's County, Maryland were given 
fliers with false endorsements. As evidenced in California and 
Maryland, our most vulnerable voters--immigrants and minorities--are 
often those voters that are targeted for deceptive practices.
  No matter who is targeted for these tactics, however, such actions 
are despicable and those responsible for them must be held accountable. 
This country's long history of voter suppression must end now. We must 
protect the right to vote for all of our citizens and that is what this 
legislation will enable us to do.
  Under this legislation, those that engage in deceptive practices and 
voter intimidation will be held accountable. Deceptive electioneering 
practices are clearly defined and prohibited so there is no confusion 
as to the rights and protections afforded voters.
  Additionally, the Federal Government will be held responsible for 
protecting and advancing the right to vote. The Attorney General and 
the Department of Justice are required to combat and counteract 
deceptive practices. These measures will ensure that voters are not 
left to fend for themselves when their right to vote is threatened.
  If we allow deceptive practices and other such behavior to continue, 
we jeopardize the very core of our democracy, the right to vote. I ask 
that my colleagues in the Congress stand with me in support of this 
legislation, so that we may begin eliminating barriers to the polls.

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