WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25), the top Democrat of the Committee on House Administration, announced the bicameral reintroduction of the landmark Voter Empowerment Act to simultaneously protect and modernize our voter registration system and ensure Americans have unfettered access to the ballot box.
The Supreme Court of the United States eviscerated a central component of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with their decision in Shelby County v. Holder, paving the way for states to pass new voting restrictions — from limits on absentee ballots to voter ID requirements. In the last 11 years, states have collectively adopted at least 94 laws that make it harder for Americans to vote. The Voter Empowerment Act would help eliminate these harmful barriers for voters by ensuring access to the ballot, preserving integrity in voting systems, and demanding accountability in elections.
“The right to vote helps to form the bedrock of our democracy. While it should be a sacred and affirmed right for every American, unfettered access to the ballot box is under attack in more than a dozen states around the country,” said Congressman Clyburn. “Our democracy is only as strong as our ability to protect it. With less than 45 days until the next 2024 Presidential contest, I urge my colleagues to join me in safeguarding the integrity of our elections.”
“The right to vote is sacred,” said Senator Gillibrand. “But as states around the country purge voter rolls and chip away at voting rights, Congress needs to take action. I am proud to join Congressman Clyburn in reintroducing the Voter Empowerment Act. This bill will make sure that every American can make their voice heard on Election Day and ensure that voting is equal, fair, and accessible for all Americans.”
“Our democracy is strongest when all eligible voters can cast their ballot. I am proud to join my colleagues Congressman Clyburn and Senator Gillibrand to introduce a bill that solves a problem in our elections process and protects Democracy. When it comes to ensuring equal access at the ballot box, we already know what we need to do. Thanks to the late, great John Lewis we have the needed solution to the identified problem. I am committed to getting this bill signed into law in honor of Congressman Lewis’ life and his dedication to fighting for freedom and protecting our democracy,” said Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle.
The Voter Empowerment Act of 2024 will:
Modernize and streamline voter registration;
- Requires states to provide both same-day and online registration
- Requires states to automatically register voters whose information passes through another state or federal agency
Prohibit interference in voter registration;
- Prohibits anyone from hindering another person from registering to vote
- Prohibits voter caging – the practice of removing voters from voter rolls because their mail was returned to sender
Improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities; and
- Requires a broad range of improvements to voter registration, polling places, and absentee voting to better accommodate individuals with disabilities
Increase and protect access to the ballot box.
- Establishes minimum requirements for early voting access
- Prevents states from adding extra conditions to absentee voting
- Requires states to notify individuals when their polling place changes
- Allows a sworn written statement or student ID to fulfill state-mandated ID requirements
- Restores federal voting rights for previously incarcerated Americans
- Requires states to notify individuals of their rights
A one-pager on the Voter Empowerment Act is available here.
