Give me my vote back

Congressman Rush Holt has a bill in committee which would require a paper trail and provide for federally-funded election audits.

It’s really quite unbelievable that, in 2008, the United States lacks standardized equipment and uniform election laws.  Granted, voter fraud is incredibly rare and it just so happens election irregularities aren’t exactly common either, but having standardized election procedures never hurt anyone.

To be honest, if there’s anything Democrats ought to be concerned about – with regards to voting – it’s the GOP’s ongoing attempt to disenfranchise poor, elderly and minority voters through intimidation and various legal schemes.  Using immigration fears as cover, Republicans in Indiana, Texas, Georgia and Michigan have pushed voter ID laws with the stated intention of preventing (almost nonexistent) voter fraud.  In states where such laws exist voter turnout (among minorities) is noticeably lower, which – usually – serves to benefit Republican candidates.

Progressives around the country are only now becoming cognizant of the variety of schemes – database purges and criminalizing voter registration drives – which are being used to disenfranchise Democratic-leaning voters.  Hopefully, in the lead up to November, progressives can reverse or at least work around these measures, and ensure that all voters have a say in their government.