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
Those held on misdemeanors or awaiting trial in theory still have voting rights, but Sheriffs Depts. often make it difficult to register and vote absentee.
Probably best addressed at the State and County level in the short run, but Federal side officeholders and Canduidates can use the bully pulpit, and, incidentally, benefit with the votes so enabled.
WISCONSIN
In Madison and Racine, the NAACP chapters secured the co-operation of the Sheriff in getting volunteer voter registrars inside, with 200 votes cast from each facility.
In Milwaukee, the absentee ballots were sent out by the Clerk on the last legal dy, and th Sherriff then sat on them until it was too late for their votes to be cast, by putting them into the regular “mail to be screened” queue.
State Sen. Lena Taylor is trying to get an amendment covering the Milwukee scam into upcoming Election Lawpackage.
Thanks, Dr. Gill.
I had the honor to “hear” you speak to a a Democracy for America group at the Illinois State Fair. Your comments about healthcare impressed me greatly. It is good to read your thoughts about voting rights as well.
Thank you for caring enough to run for office. Best of luck.
Thank you Khali for your interest. it is going to take support from people like you for us to make a difference.