FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Contact: Robert Gibbs or Tommy Vietor, (202) 228-5511
Illinois Contact: Julian Green, (312) 886-3506
Date: September 19, 2005
Obama, Dodd and Rep. Lewis Hold Press Conference to Voice Opposition to Requiring All Voters to Show Photo ID Before Voting
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) will hold a press conference on Tuesday, September 20 to voice their opposition to a recommendation made by the Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform which would require all Americans to show photo identification before voting.
When: Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Where: U.S. Senate radio and TV gallery
Time: 2:15 PM ET
Who: U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Barack Obama (D-IL) and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)
On Monday, the Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform released its recommendations for improving the electoral process. While many of the Commission's recommendations are worthy of consideration, its report recommends the implementation of a national voter identification requirement, despite acknowledging that there is "no evidence of extensive fraud in U.S. elections or of multiple voting."
Several states, most recently Georgia, have introduced legislation that would require voters to show government-issued photo identification before voting. This law would disproportionately affect and disenfranchise elderly, minority, disabled and low-income voters.