The right to vote is one of the most important rights we have as citizens of the United States of America. It is a right that is the foundation of our great democracy. It is the vehicle that we use to express our concerns, and an invaluable tool we have in voicing our desires. Many aspects of our government are dependent on our collective voting. Most importantly the election of our local, state and federal officials who govern our society.
Throughout the history of our country, there have been many assaults on our voting rights by those who do not want to see liberty given to all. The 15th amendment was passed in order to ensure that all Americans would be able to exercise their right to vote. Opponents of democracy prevented many Americans from voting through legal loopholes, and it required the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure that the voting rights of everyone were secure. Many provisions of the Voting Rights Act are set to expire in 2007. The current administration seems ambivalent to the fact that many Americans will be subject to restrictions and limitations to their right to vote. Irregularities in recent elections in such places such as Florida and Ohio have many people concerned with the government’s commitment to the voting rights of all Americans.
As a congressman, I will fight for universal suffrage. The government must restore confidence in the democratic process. The expiring provisions of the Voting Rights Act must be renewed. I am also in support of paper trails for electronic voting machines. Only when we can guarantee that all votes are counted can we have complete confidence in our system. If we are to remain the model of democracy for the world, we must correct the problems that exist today. The indifference that our elected officials are showing in this area is inexcusable, and I will do all that I can to make sure we all are treated equally as citizens.
Dr. David Gill
