[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1427-E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IMPORTANCE OF VOTER PROTECTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, the freedom to vote for our elected 
leaders is the very

[[Page E1428]]

heart of our democracy and the most basic of rights in our 
representative government. Unfortunately, several states across the 
nation have enacted laws that would impede the ability of millions of 
Americans across our country from exercising this right. Throughout the 
nation, including in my home district of Guam, many voters have lost 
faith in the integrity of the electoral process or become complacent 
that their vote is irrelevant.
   In Guam, voter turnout has decreased significantly over the last 
several years and allegations of election misconduct have become common 
during every election cycle. Many of my constituents have been 
disenfranchised much in the same way as in some states trying to lower 
voter turnout. I have raised this issue with the Department of Justice, 
and I hope they will focus on this issue in every state and territory 
where efforts to disenfranchise voters are being made.
   The free exercise of the right to vote is the cornerstone of 
American democracy, and it ensures that government is accountable to 
and representative of the people.

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