The right to vote is a cornerstone in the foundation of our Republic. In the words of Thomas Paine, it is "the primary right by which all other rights are protected." By registering to vote, each American citizen shows they understand the awesome privilege, duty and responsibility that every citizen is accorded under our Constitutional system.

The House passed H.R. 4844, the Federal Election Integrity Act, with my full support by a vote of 228-196 to provide more security and accountability in our voting system. Beginning in 2008, this bill would require voters to provide photo identification when they show up at the polling station or when sending in absentee ballots by mail. Voters without a photo ID would be given a provisional ballot with 48 hours to present a qualifying ID for the vote to count.

The 2000 Presidential elections were a powerful reminder that EVERY vote counts and we must be accountable for casting our votes properly. We need to make sure that non-citizens do not vote so that every citizen's voice is heard and not cancelled out by an illegitimate vote.