[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 187 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H8203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           VOTER SUPPRESSION

  (Mr. PETERS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose nationwide efforts 
to suppress voter turnout for the 2012 election, including State 
legislation imposing strict photo ID requirements. These new 
regulations would disproportionately burden seniors, people with 
disabilities, the poor, and minorities.
  In Michigan, we have seen aggressive purges of voter rules, which can 
disenfranchise low-income voters who have moved to a new address. Half 
a million Michiganders don't have a driver's license or State ID. How 
are they supposed to make their voices heard if these rules are passed?
  Let's be clear. These efforts are about one thing and one thing only: 
silencing voters.
  America is a beacon of democracy, and to limit voter access is 
hypocritical and wrong. Madam Speaker, I don't have to tell you about 
the shameful times in America's history where power and intimidation 
were used to prevent Americans from voting. We must learn from our 
past.
  Fight voter suppression efforts in the courts, in State legislatures, 
here in Washington, and, most importantly, on election day.

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