Rock the Vote Applauds Priorities Laid Out in H.R. 1
WASHINGTON – Rock the Vote President and Executive Director Carolyn DeWitt released the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 1, to expand Americans’ access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, and strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and for other purposes act.
“The record turnout we saw from young people in the midterm elections demonstrated their commitment to building an inclusive, equitable and representative democracy that works for all Americans. With the introduction of H.R. 1, the new House is hearing that call.
This bill shows that the House of Representatives is once again the “People’s House.” H.R. 1 isn’t about partisan politics, it is about strengthening our core democratic principles and protecting the freedom to vote – something that in recent years has been consistently under attack and at risk.
From restoring the full scope of the Voting Rights Act, to investing in election infrastructure, limiting the influence of big money in politics, to mandating automatic voter registration and making Election Day a holiday, H.R. 1 would have a profound effect on our democracy. Its passage would not only reduce barriers so that every eligible American can more easily exercise their freedom to vote, but it would also restore our faith in the electoral process by securing our elections and limiting the influence of money in politics.
Young people believe in fairness, equality and justice and that all eligible Americans should have the freedom to make their voice heard in our democracy. The passage of this legislation will help to ensure our democracy more accurately reflects those values and that our system continues to become a more perfect government of the people, by the people and for the people.
For the future of our democracy, Rock the Vote urges Congress to pass and the President to sign this historic bill.”
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