Protecting the Right to Vote
I am a leader in the fight to ensure that every American can vote without fear of disenfranchisement. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, in 2014 so far, more than 190 bills restricting the right to vote have already been introduced in 31 states. Additionally, in June, the Supreme Court’s rejection of Section 4 of the landmark Voting Right Act put the rights of voters across the nation at risk.
I believe a country built on the foundation of civic participation should never tolerate any politically-motivated threats to our ability to express our views at the polls. That is why I introduced legislation, the Pocan Ellison Right to Vote Amendment, which would explicitly guarantee the right to vote in the Constitution, provide all Americans the affirmative right to vote, and empower Congress to protect this right. A voting rights amendment would positively affirm our founding principle that our country is at its strongest when everyone participates.
More on Protecting the Right to Vote
Washington, D.C. – In light of the widespread Russian interference in the 2016 election, U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) today introduced the Securing America’s Future Elections (SAFE) Act. This comprehensive legislation would safeguard our elections from future foreign cyber-attacks and interference by permanently classifying the integrity and security of our elections as a key component of critical infrastructure.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), along with Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and 24 original cosponsors introduced a resolution, which would explicitly guarantee the right to vote. At a time when voting rights across the country have come under unprecedented assault and faith in our election process is being undermined by President Trump, the Pocan-Ellison Right to Vote Amendment would amend the U.S. Constitution to provide all Americans with the affirmative right to vote.
WASHINGTON, DC – In response to a formal request from Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI) and Mark Pocan (D-WI), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that its Civil Rights Division plans to deploy resources to Wisconsin for tomorrow’s general election. Congresswoman Moore and Congressman Pocan responded to this announcement with the following statement:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), along with Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI) and Gwen Moore (D-WI), sent a letter to the Department of Justice requesting assistance in overseeing Wisconsin’s monitoring of the election, including providing poll-monitoring services in the state. The request was spurred by Wisconsin’s contentious and discriminatory Voter ID Law and a political environment that has become increasingly intimidating for voters.
Democrats Tammy Baldwin, Ron Kind, Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan this week called on the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct a review of Wisconsin's voter identification requirements.
The federal lawmakers also want Justice to consider bringing a legal challenge or join litigation in Wisconsin’s Eastern and Western District Courts.