OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Voter Suppression

Floor Speech

Date: Dec. 7, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Elections

Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose nationwide efforts to suppress voter turnout for the 2012 election, including State legislation imposing strict photo ID requirements. These new regulations would disproportionately burden seniors, people with disabilities, the poor, and minorities.

In Michigan, we have seen aggressive purges of voter rules, which can disenfranchise low-income voters who have moved to a new address. Half a million Michiganders don't have a driver's license or State ID. How are they supposed to make their voices heard if these rules are passed?

Let's be clear. These efforts are about one thing and one thing only: silencing voters.

America is a beacon of democracy, and to limit voter access is hypocritical and wrong. Madam Speaker, I don't have to tell you about the shameful times in America's history where power and intimidation were used to prevent Americans from voting. We must learn from our past.

Fight voter suppression efforts in the courts, in State legislatures, here in Washington, and, most importantly, on election day.


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