Senator Schatz Co-Sponsors Voter Empowerment Act, Condemns Voter Suppression Efforts

WASHINGTON –Senator Brian Schatz announced today that he is a proud co-sponsor of the Voter Empowerment Act. In addition, he joined his Senate colleagues in co-sponsoring a resolution honoring Black History Month. 

“I’m proudly co-sponsoring the Voter Empowerment Act in order to give the federal government additional tools to ensure that every voter can cast their vote and have that vote counted free of discrimination.  Over the last few years, we have seen voter suppression efforts across the country, such as recent Voter ID laws, that have infringed on the rights of Americans.  This is unacceptable, and I stand with President Obama in condemning these efforts.  The mistakes from last year’s local election are further proof that we must strengthen our system in order to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to exercise their Constitutional right.  As we celebrate Black History Month, we must remember the men and women across the country that fought to ensure equal rights and opportunity for all Americans.  I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in protecting the right to vote instead of adding restrictions to one of our most fundamental rights.”

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