Top House Democrat pledges fight against 'deceptive' voter suppression

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http://www.rawstory.com/news/2007/Top_House_Dems_pledged_fight_against_0301.html

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A top House Democrat promised to stop political tactics that seek to prevent voters from casting their ballots today. In a press release sent to RAW STORY, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers said that a new bill he is co-sponsoring will "provide voter protections and create strong penalties for those violating" them.

Conyers, a Michigan Democrat, joined Reps. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Mike Honda (D-CA), and Keith Ellison (D-MN) to co-sponsor the "Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007." Events during recent elections, the congressmen reasoned, made new standards and penalties necessary.

"Voter intimidation, coordinated misinformation, and other irregularities were sufficiently widespread in closely contested races throughout the country to have affected the outcomes of these elections," Conyers added.

The bill defines "deceptive practices" as "knowing communication of false information." Among other measures, the bill makes such acts a felony and increases the penalty to $250,000 or five years in prison.

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[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Good

If there's one thing repukes like, it's money. This may make them pause. Wonder how many repukes will vote against it?

[terip64]

2. Kick for everyone who says the dems aren't doing anything! n/t

[L. Coyote]

3. "... voter identification requirements ...promised to conduct oversight on the issue

" Last week, RAW STORY reported on the growing strictness of voter identification requirements, which a recent study showed was reducing turnout generally and for minorities in particular at the polls. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who chairs the electoral subcommittee of the House Administration Committee, promised to conduct oversight on the issue."

These plans involve hearings. And that means evidence will be brought to the fore and placed under the spotlight. A real change!