Schakowsky Floor Remarks on Voter Suppression

September 21, 2012

Mr. Speaker, This is Constitution Week — when we celebrate our fundamental rights as Americans. Today, one of those most cherished rights -- the right to vote -- is under serious attack.

Recent efforts to suppress voter participation are designed to silence the voice of American voters — especially seniors, people of color, the poor, and young adults.

In Florida, new restrictions on voter registration led the League of Women Voters to suspend their efforts until the law was halted by the Court.

Republican legislatures have passed strict voter requirements, although Pennsylvania could not provide one example of voter fraud. Even elderly veterans -- who risked their lives for this country -- may be turned away from the polls because they lack proper IDs. 5 million Americans could be disenfranchised.

Anyone who values the Constitution, should encourage voting — not erect barriers based on false claims of voter fraud.