Protect the right to vote

In recent years, dozens of state laws restricting voting rights have been passed that unfairly impact the ability of members of vulnerable communities to vote. Not since the days of poll taxes and arbitrary literacy tests have so many laws been passed to keep American citizens away from the polls.

Led by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, concerned House members condemned laws passed by conservative state legislators that reduced the number of voting days, enacted more complex identification requirements, and made it harder for felons who’ve paid their debt to society to recover the right to vote.

These laws — adversely affecting nearly one in five voters under 25, nearly one in five senior citizens, and one in four African Americans — have been passed without a shred of evidence that they address any issue besides partisan hostility.

As Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Mike Turzai said of his state’s new restrictions, since blocked by the courts, “Voter ID, which is going to allow Governor Romney to win the state of Pennsylvania – done.”

If you believe that the right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, sign the petition.

Bill: HR 542