>VOTING RIGHTS ACT

(Senate - July 25, 2006)

   Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for the Voting Rights Act, VRA. Unfortunately a longstanding medical appointment kept me from casting my vote in favor of this legislation last week and I want there to be no question as to my support for the VRA. For over 50 years, the VRA has protected the cornerstone of democracy: the right to vote. Congress enacted the VRA in response to evidence that some States and counties had denied many citizens access to the ballot because of their race, ethnicity, and language-minority status. The creators of this law were convinced, as am I, that a strong America is one that reflects the feelings and opinions of all Americans. That means that everyone has the right to vote.

   Provisions of the VRA prohibit election laws that would deny or abridge voting rights based on race, color, or membership in a language minority. The act allows citizens to challenge discriminatory voting practices and procedures and prohibits the use of any test or device as a condition of voter registration. Such provisions seem like common sense today, but they were not always so widely supported. We must recommit today not to return to the mistakes of yesterday. I am pleased that the Senate approved the reauthorization of this critical act. It correctly ensures that every citizen has a stake and a voice in our country's future.