The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IMPORTANCE OF VOTER PROTECTIONS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1427-E1428 on Aug. 3, 2012.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IMPORTANCE OF VOTER PROTECTIONS
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HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO
of guam
in the house of representatives
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, the freedom to vote for our elected leaders is the very heart of our democracy and the most basic of rights in our representative government. Unfortunately, several states across the nation have enacted laws that would impede the ability of millions of Americans across our country from exercising this right. Throughout the nation, including in my home district of Guam, many voters have lost faith in the integrity of the electoral process or become complacent that their vote is irrelevant.
In Guam, voter turnout has decreased significantly over the last several years and allegations of election misconduct have become common during every election cycle. Many of my constituents have been disenfranchised much in the same way as in some states trying to lower voter turnout. I have raised this issue with the Department of Justice, and I hope they will focus on this issue in every state and territory where efforts to disenfranchise voters are being made.
The free exercise of the right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy, and it ensures that government is accountable to and representative of the people.
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