[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE VOTE BY MAIL ACT OF 2016

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Vote By Mail 
Act of 2016. The individual right to vote is the foundation of our 
government, and making sure that all Americans have the ability to 
exercise that right is critical to the democratic process. My home 
state of Oregon is a leader in innovative voting rights policy, and 
this legislation provides a pathway for the federal government to 
follow Oregon's model program.
  Too many Americans around the country face extreme barriers to 
registering to vote and casting a ballot. Many voters often have work, 
family, or other commitments that make getting to polls and waiting in 
line on Election Day difficult or impossible. Many citizens with 
disabilities are physically unable to vote due to long lines, 
inadequate parking, no curb cuts, steep ramps, and large crowds. In 
2012, 30 percent of voters with disabilities had difficulty voting, and 
more than 5,000,000 voters waited for more than an hour to cast a vote. 
Polling stations in rural jurisdictions tend to have higher costs per 
voter, smaller staffs, and limited resources. Additionally, 
transportation to the polls is often a difficult barrier for rural 
voters. Despite these impediments, many of these voters are not 
permitted to vote by mail in many states. Fortunately, a handful of 
states are addressing this problem, and three states currently hold 
elections entirely by mail. It's time to bring this policy to scale in 
all federal elections.
  The benefits of voting by mail are numerous and well-documented. 
Voting by mail gives voters more time to consider their choices, which 
is especially important due to the expanded use of the initiative and 
referendum process in many states. Voting by mail is cost-effective. As 
shown in Oregon and Colorado, the cost of conducting vote by mail 
elections is generally one-third to one-half less than conducting 
polling place elections. Allowing all voters the option to vote by mail 
can reduce waiting times for those voters who choose to vote at the 
polls. Vote by mail also typically increases turn out in all elections, 
but can be particularly effective in increasing voter participation in 
special elections and primary elections.
  The Vote By Mail Act of 2016 legislation would require states to mail 
ballots to all registered voters in federal elections, eliminating 
barriers to the ballot--saving states and local governments money and 
saving voters time and stress across the country.
  Another crucial component of a modern voting system is making it 
easy, affordable, and accessible to register to vote, further 
multiplying the positive voter participation effects of a vote by mail 
system. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia introduced 
automatic voter registration legislation in 2015, and Oregon and 
California now automatically register their citizens to vote when they 
apply for a driver's license. Automatic, permanent voter registration 
has the potential to increase participation, protect election 
integrity, and reduce registration costs. This legislation would follow 
the Oregon example, register millions of eligible voters at little 
cost, and widely increase participation in American democracy.
  There is no better time to seamlessly expand voter registration and 
provide more options for Americans to vote, and the stakes have never 
been higher.

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