House Passes H.R. 4844, the Federal Election Integrity Act
On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 by a vote of 228-196. As the legislative session winds to a close, H.R. 4844 is another part of the House GOP national security strategy devised to show political support for securing the nation at its borders and now at the ballot box. H.R.4844 seeks to prevent fraud in the election process by requiring photo identification for voters in federal elections. All states will be mandated to check voters' photo identification by the November 2008 election. By November 2010, states will only be allowed to accept photo identification that was issued upon presenting proof of citizenship. Eligible voters who cannot pay for identification cards will be provided one by the state at no charge. Costs for such a mandate will be reimbursed by the federal government.
A recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll showed 81% of those surveyed favored an ID requirement for voting. In another poll conducted by Rasmussen, 77% of likely voters across the country agree that displaying a photo ID should be required to cast a vote. A number of states have already acted to require voters to follow proof of citizenship. In Phoenix, Arizona, registration went up 15% after passing a referendum requiring voters to prove citizenship when registering to vote. These changes encourage citizens to vote and discourage illegal voting.
Congressman Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) said in a statement, "Every day millions of Americans show a picture ID to pay by check, board a plane, or buy alcohol or tobacco. Surely, the sanctity of the ballot warrants as much protection as these activities. Requiring people to show an ID to prove their citizenship and eligibility will protect the vote, and help restore confidence
2006-09-22
06:25:57
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