[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9115--APR. 30, 2014

Proclamation 9115 of April 30, 2014

Law Day, U.S.A., 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than two centuries ago, patriots battled to release America from
the grip of tyranny. As these brave citizens defended their right to
shape their own destiny, our Founders created a government of, by, and
for the people--rooted in the belief that just power derives from the
consent of the governed. It is a system that can only function through
the rule of law.
This Law Day pays special tribute to the right to vote, the cornerstone
of democracy. Many Americans won the franchise after generations of
struggle, while others gave their lives so their children and
grandchildren might one day enjoy what should have been their
birthright. Thanks to women who picketed the White House and activists
who marched on the National Mall, our laws finally recognized a truth
that had always been self-evident--that every citizen should have a
voice in our democracy. Over the centuries, we have made legal changes
that eliminated formal voting restrictions based on wealth, race, and
sex and that extended the right to vote to younger adults. Today, our
laws continue to protect this fundamental right, laws like the Voting
Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote
Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Despite this hard-fought progress, barriers to voting still exist, and
the right to vote faces a new wave of threats. In some States, women may
be turned away from the polls because they are registered under their
maiden name; in others, seniors who have been voting for decades may
suddenly be told they cannot vote because they do not have a particular
form of identification. As we reflect on the trials and triumphs of
generations past, we must rededicate ourselves to preserving those
victories in our time. Earlier this year, a bipartisan commission I
appointed recommended a series of common-sense reforms to protect the
right to vote, curb the potential for fraud, and ensure no one has to
wait more than a half hour to cast a ballot. States and local election
officials should implement these recommendations. In addition, the
Congress should demonstrate its commitment to our fundamental right by
updating the Voting Rights Act.

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Let us mark Law Day by recognizing the institutions that uphold the rule
of law in America. Let us vow to keep safe our founding creed. And let
us remember that opportunity requires justice, and justice requires the
right to vote.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, in accordance with Public Law 87-20, as amended, do hereby
proclaim May 1, 2014, as Law Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to
acknowledge the importance of our Nation's legal and judicial systems
with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to display the flag of
the United States in support of this national observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA