The latest study, “The Challenge of Obtaining Voter Identification,” from the Brennan Center reveals the extent of the obstacles challenging 3-4 million voters in affected states across the country – in both rural and urban areas – as they try to obtain valid voter photo IDs. It’s not at all easy, despite the claims of voter photo ID proponents.
Today marks the 164th anniversary of the start of the Seneca Falls Convention, which is often considered to be the start of the suffrage movement in America.
On July 19-20, 1848, 300 hundred men and women gathered in Seneca Falls, NY to discuss the role of women in American society, and to debate the Declaration of Sentiments as prepared by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Stanton based the language of the Declaration of Sentiments on the Declaration of Independence.
When held up to legal scrutiny, there is no evidence of voter impersonation at the polls. However, millions could be disenfranchised and lose their right to vote because of photo ID laws enacted in a number of states.
Twice this week, the U.S. Senate refused to allow full debate on the DISCLOSE Act, which would require complete disclosure of spending on big-money advertising in candidate elections. Huge sums of secret money are flooding into our elections and without full disclosure the voters won't know who is trying to buy influence.
Over two consecutive days, the U.S. Senate refused to allow full debate on the DISCLOSE Act, which would require complete disclosure of spending on big-money advertising in candidate elections.
Voters beware. There is a flood of secret money headed into towns all across America and it looks like there is nothing to stop it from drowning out your voices in elections. But our elected officials can do something to help. They can support full disclosure and tell us where this money is coming from. They can give voters the information they need to cast a vote.
In addition to the radio ads, we recently aired in Maine and Tennessee on the importance of disclosure in general, our state and local Leagues across the country have also been working hard to ensure their Senators know we want them to stop secret spending and to give the voters the information they need to make informed decisions. Below are just some of the Letters to the Editors and Op Eds that our state and local Leagues have succeeded in getting published on the importance of disclosure.
Every distinguished speaker who addressed the League’s 2012 Convention applauded the League of Women Voters for its devotion to political education and its faith that knowledge becomes power in the hands of voters. The League was urged to finish the fight to protect and empower voters.
