Press Release
MARCH 26, 2007
REP. SUSAN DAVIS INTRODUCES BILL
TO
HELP STATES HOLD MAIL-IN ELECTIONS
Bill authorizes $18 million in federal grants
WASHINGTON - With voting by mail on the rise, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) wants help states and counties who choose to hold mail-in elections. The Vote by Mail Act, introduced by Davis, authorizes $18 million for federal grants to help states offset the cost of holding elections by mail and commissions a study of voting by mail. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced similar legislation in the Senate, as well.
"This will build upon the growing trend of states to bring the polls to the voters," said Davis. "I believe we should try to meet our constituents halfway by increasing access to the electoral process. With the popularity of Vote by Mail increasing dramatically, it is crucial that we invest in some valuable research to learn about its benefits, find remedies for any problems and share best practices."
This bill would help states who want to conduct Vote by Mail elections by creating an $18 million, three year grant program to provide a portion of the funds they need. States would have the option of adopting Vote by Mail statewide, within a group of selected counties, or even in a single county.
Under the bill, the General Accountability Office would be instructed to compare traditional voting methods with Vote by Mail and examine the likelihood of fraud and misconduct, voter participation in urban and rural communities and by minorities, the homeless, and people with disabilities.
In the 110th Congress, Davis introduced the Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act (HR 281) to allow voters to vote by mail for any reason. In addition, she recently introduced a bill (HR 1646) to allow voters to track their mail-in ballots via telephone or the Internet.
Davis, a former president of the San Diego League of Women Voters, is a member of the House Administration Committee which oversees federal election issues.