[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 5, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF RICHMOND FOR REDUCING BARRIERS TO VOTING IN 
                       VIRGINIA'S 2019 ELECTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 5, 2019

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the City of Richmond for its efforts to remove barriers to 
voter participation in Virginia's 2019 elections. Mayor Levar Stoney 
and his administration are partnering with the Greater Richmond Transit 
Corporation (GRTC) for the second year in a row to provide free rides 
to the polls for Richmond residents on Election Day. Additionally, the 
City of Richmond is giving its employees the day off on Tuesday, 
November 5, 2019. Both measures will address potential impediments to 
voting and will help encourage participation in both state and local 
elections.
  Access to transportation has historically been an obstacle for 
underserved and marginalized communities to exercise their rights on 
Election Day. To address these concerns, GRTC will provide free 
transportation to nearly every polling location in the City of 
Richmond. In doing so, more individuals will be able to access polling 
stations, enabling many more Richmonders to vote.
  The ability to take time off from work has also been a barrier to the 
ballot box. To help tackle this issue, the City of Richmond will close 
its offices on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 to make it easier for city 
employees to vote.
  Since my time in the Virginia General Assembly, I have fought for 
voters' rights; the right to vote is sacred and should be protected. 
That is why I introduced the Election Day Holiday Act, which would make 
Election Day a federal holiday. At a time when our elections are under 
attack from outside and within our country, it is more important than 
ever that we remove barriers to the ballot box.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor 
Stoney, the Stoney administration, and GRTC for improving access and 
removing barriers to voting for Richmond residents.

                          ____________________