STATEMENT OF VICE CHAIR JAN SCHAKOWSKY. DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ELECTION REFORM

DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ELECTION REFORM

SAN ANTONIO, TX - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus Special Committee on Election Reform, issued the following statement.

"Our election system was put to the test on November 7, 2000, and as a result, we witnessed the serious flaws that exist in the process today. Democrats in Congress and throughout the country will not stand idly by while the next election approaches. We are determined to proceed because we believe in fair and accurate elections. That is why the Democratic Caucus Special Committee on Election Reform will gather information from every corner of our great country, listen to the concerns of our community leaders and voters, and present Congress with solutions.

"Our first hearing was held in the birthplace of our nation, the city of Philadelphia. Now, we move to San Antonio, Texas, a place where immigrants have come to live the American dream and become full participants in the democratic process. And I look forward to the Committee's next hearing, which will be held in May in my great city of Chicago.

"The goal of this committee is to ensure that in the next election every vote counts and that the constitutional right of every voter, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or religion, is guaranteed. That is the cornerstone of our democracy."

Schakowsky is the author of H.R. 1004, the Provisional Voting Rights Act of 2001. The bill permits individuals whose names do not appear on a voting registration list to vote after affirming their right to vote; calls for provisional votes to be transferred immediately for verification; and requires that provisional votes be counted unless the state can prove that those voters should not be allowed to cast their votes.