Transcripts For CSPAN2 Hearing On Voting Rights During Coron

And those that have lost loved ones give them hope and faith and flawless. And those that have lost their jobs or their wellbeing, dont have nutrition or opportunities to take care of their family, keep them safe, we will get through this, times will be better. And to the police, give them the fortitude to carry on for peace in their hearts and understanding and acceptance and peace in the hearts of the protesters as well. And to the people that have rioted, give them understanding that there are better ways to go about their lives. Amen. Id like to start this hearing the committee on the judiciary subcommittee on constitution civil rights and Civil Liberties will come to order. Without objection the chair is authorized to declare a recess of the subcommittee at any time. I welcome everyone today to the hearing on protecting the rights of voters during the covid19 pandemic and thank the witnesses for joining us today and my colleagues are conducting this new format and continuing to serve the American People during these challenging times. This is the first hearing of the Judiciary Committee conducted under the new house remote proceeding rules. So, we might have a few spots but we will get through them. Id like to remind members we have established an email address and a distribution list dedicated to circulating exhibits, motions or other written materials members might want to offer as a part of the hearing today. If you would like to submit material please send them to judiciary documents and we will distribute to the members and staff as quickly as we can. Its also my understanding the gentleman from georgia, the former Committee Ranking member will be joining the subcommittee the remainder of this Congress Since the full committee hasnt yet been able to meet to ratify the subcommittees assignment he will be assuming, without objection they will be designating as a member of the committee for the purpose of todays hearing. I will now recognize myself for an Opening Statement. We are in the midst of one of those moments in the nations history where conferencing this crisis and the way we respond to them will shape fundamentally who we are as a people. To begin with, we meet virtually today because we are in the middle of a Global Pandemic thats taken the lives of over 100,000 fellows citizens, the pandemic that has exacerbated it exacerbated and impacted africanamericans among other historically disadvantaged people. This reflects americas original sin. The sin of us recognized yet is recognized in our revered founding document the United States constitution. This ideology that undergirded and continued on through the jim crow wall and resists to change even for today resulting in an equal opportunities and consequences we are still grappling with. Another tragic manifestation is the pattern of crack this into justifiable way many feel weve seen that on the streets all over in the peaceful protests. Across the country they call a to do everything in my power as chairman to build a better and more just america in which i dedicated my public life to starting back in 1977. It is another day and im holding the hearing today. Protecting the right to vote during the covid19 pandemic is intrinsically tied to the protests occurring across the nation. Violence against black americans expressing the righ their righte are two sides of the same coin. The coin of systemic racism has plagued the country since when first were brought to this country as slaves. Think about it, 1619. That was 250 years before we became a nation. From jim crow to the present, politicians particularly in the south and elsewhere as well have sought to deny the ability of black americans and other people of color to vote. People with disabilities, language minority voters and native americans among others also have the right to vote undermined throughout history denying them. Now we deal with a viral pandemic stretching to both safely. But it affects voters of colors among others. States are left with a choice. Adapt to this new reality and ensure everyone can both safely in november or they fail to act in the face of this ischallenge. We know what needs to be done and we must ensure they can cast their ballots by mail if they choose and they shouldnt have to go through this endless bureaucratic way to do it. President trump said theres an inherent backed by every in addition study this past election from utah, oregon, washington two yesterday in pennsylvania. But he also said when he made that message recently without this case thinking about politics. The fact is many republicans support the mailin voting and benefited from it. States must proactively send out ballots to voters or at least for the mailin ballots to make it easy for people especially if there is a spike come november for even worse conditions and more reasons to be concerned. For Many Americans such as those that have changed address, voting by mail is not a realistic option. The most obvious way to ensure the polling places is to spread out the Voting Period and allow people to cast their ballots early. The act that passed the house is now sitting before the senate and we mandate each of those things. It gives the funding they desperately need to carry all of those out. The treasury 500 billion to bail out corporations, we can certainly afford the 3. 6 billion but it will cost to safeguard the very unique system of government was the source of power and people. No american should have to choose between their health and their right to vote. Democracy including the right to vote is the way our founders respond to whatever challenges we place. Its been and will be the characteristic of who we are as a nation. I look forward to hearing from each of the witnesses gathered here today and thank them for agreeing to appear and testify on this subject. And at this point, it is my pleasure to recognize the Ranking Member of the subcommittee, the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Johnson for his Opening Statement. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and thanks to everybody. Thank you everyone for joining us this morning. This is an important subject and i appreciate the prayer. Everybody needs that right now. I think all of us agree that the Senate Reconciliation and Transformative Solutions has a change and we all agree those are long overdue. So that we boldly declare this that and that we are all endowed by god himself with the same inalienable rights. Everybody has volume and then to contribute to society it is inherent. Any fool that contends any natural right of supremacy over his neighbors violates not only the creed of america and thats important to acknowledge. And for help us to help us and then also the honorable men and women because they also are in jeopardy right now. And theyve done nothing but make it worse and i know that we all agree on that as well. And to make all of us recognize the covid19 pandemic has affected our country in countless ways. We express condolences to those who have lost their battle with this invisible enemy and First Responders and doctors and nurses and the Trump Administration for taking crucial steps to help prevent the spread any further. Despite chinas efforts about the effect of the virus i am glad the president instituted sanitation protocols in a task force and along with the Vice President with decades in Public Health has been very important for the country in our response. We are all adjusting to the new normal we have to say we are disappointed the committee is not in dc to conduct this important hearing. Grocery store workers and healthcare personnel that they can show up in person to do their job we should do the same thing. That on the issue of the hearing today, i just want to say and i will be brief we all believe in the importance of the election that is essential to republican or democratic form and the one eligible american to participate in every vote we just dont believe the suggestions proposed on the other side of the aisle are in the best interest of the election system and what has been proposed with the broad federal mandates how state should run the election we believe the mandate is in the constitution itself the election clause gives them ability to administer within their Jurisdiction Congress doesnt have the authority to override the state laws but they are in the best position to determine based on each individual needs. Is connected and then all of these by mail the hardest you be legalized nationwide. And to increase at the worst possible time and even in the New York Times there is a bipartisan consensus voting by mail is more easily abuse than other forms. Similarly the Bipartisan Commission cochaired by former jimmy carter and secretary of state bakers said in their final report in 2005 absentee ballots is the largest source of potential voter fraud in american elections. Absentee voting also has practical problems compared to in person voting or early voting. And to discuss those implications on the elections and with those logistical concerns this close to november with the state Voter Registration law. And those that outnumber the citizen. And those that can deliver ballots on time and to the right people i acknowledge concerns about the pandemic and the election now is not the time there is too much at risk we should be discussing how to vote in person safely in light of the new circumstances when you consider how the federal government can make our own decisions regarding the election and respond to the unique circumstances. I look forward to listening and hope we can have a thoughtful discussion and i yield back. You are welcome. Thank you for your statement i would like to recognize the gentleman from the Judiciary Committee for his Opening Statement and i thank you to all of the witnesses for joining us today i went to note the committee has been hard at work since the outbreak of the pandemic and then we discussed issues such as price gouging during the covid19 crisis and those in prisons and jails at the pandemic. And then to include measures in the cares act in response to what we learned and with that covid19 crisis in many standards to individuals is a nice detention and those that do not pose a risk to Public Safety so when they heroes act for the homeowners and significant funding and the violence against women act and the Legal Services corporation and then to ensure Public Safety officers that have died will receive the benefits and next week will hold the hearing to address issues of accountability the committee is hard at work and we appreciate all the members during these challenging times. Also to acknowledge thes profoundly painful moments of our nation with violence against black americans once again have been torn open those that have been taken to the streets for their Constitutional Rights we have a proud history of protest in this country but even at the most basic levels the local sheriffs and members of congress are supposed to be chosen by popular will thats it makes the country a democracy at the very core of governance for by the people some in the face of the Global Pandemic in fact business as usual with hours long lines and those designed to suppress americas right to vote is at the heart of the system of selfgovernance and today it might even be deadly and the question if we can call ourselves even a democracy at all. If this sounds alarming consider this and then to be a voted because of their race or income or disability or the way they live the response to play games the way that they may hold power is not a democracy but Something Else to have the most fundamental constitutional right is the right to vote in the most basic human right so i would like to say directly to the American People there is no sitting this democracy and then with the right this november and then protecting your own health and in speaking to all the voters to vote by mail this and to have those resources to ensure and also have in person voting for those who choose not to vote by mail so that no one is disenfranchised and with that todays unprecedented challenges to carry out carry out free and Fair Elections despite the pandemic we know what needs to be done todays hearing is the first step in the process thank you for holding this hearing and i yield back the balance of my time spent thinking we would normally note to the Ranking Member he does not have a statement so the state straight to the witnesses think it is a for this hearing and allow to have each of the witnesses and their introduction we will recognize that witness for the for statement and then to be walked in on in their entirety. Nt of time to ask questions i will bang my gavel and also there will be a timer on your screen. Please be mindful. I would remind all of the witnesses you have a legal obligation to provide a truthful statement to the subcommittee in any false statement could subject you to prosecution through title 181st witness is the 47 secretary of state to ensure that elections are secure and accessible to michigan voters and the secretaries of state call the democratic process the first role as secretary of state is to enforce Campaign Finance law. Receiving her jd from Harvard Law School and from University School of the law in detroit michigan which i visited with chairman conyers an expert on civil rights and election law you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today i started my career in Montgomery Alabama and it was there i developed and solidified my own commitment for those that sacrifice and work that everyone is protected and secure today as the secretary of state chief election officer i am informed and inspired by many colleagues and advocates around the country many of whom im honored to speak alongside today and as we Work Across Party Lines to ensure they are accessible in the midst of the pandemic into the 2020 election but we need your help democracy is a team sport we need a sustained and committed partner in the federal government to ensure voters have the clarity that elections will be held and their rights are secure 11. 2 Million Dollars received in funding is welcome but it was not enough with a 40 milliondollar gap with those new challenges for our state importantly that heroes act will address these effectively and i urge everyone support in the district of columbia 41 states voters can vote to by mail if not then it is implemented with various degrees of effectiveness federal funding and standards will be written in my testimony it goes a long way to help avoid variations in the fall. Voters need clear choices how to vote and they need guidance and support for those choices. This need is acute and to be disenfranchised and thats an additional challenge to overcome want to close by sharing a Success Story to elections this year one prior to the pandemic and in early may we held local elections at the height of the pandemic to demonstrate even in the midst of this moment safe and secure elections are possible to succeed we know every registered voter is an application and instruction how to vote from home we also provided a safe option for voters to cast their ballots on election day and then to recruit new election records nobody had to work somewhere they did not feel comfortable and every jurisdiction with ppe along with clear and explicit protocols how to have 6 feet of distance between election workers and voters than they could choose to safely exercise their vote that turnout was double and 99 percent of voters who participated in the may election chose to vote from home there were no crowds or long lines. The success demonstrated it is possible proper planning policy Education Resources to ensure elections this fall are safe and accurate and secure also may most recent decision to narrow every registered voter application on how to vote by mail at the august primary in the november general election we can and will survive the pandemic but we need your ongoing help all of us working together across party lines and investment and input. Thank you. Thank you for condensing your remarks and interest of time he will have questions for you ms. Abrams is founder and chair of verified action and organization dedicated to advancing Voting Rights and Electoral Reform the democratic nominee for the state of georgia the first africanamerican woman nominated by a major party prior to running for governor the General Assembly from 2007 to 2017 and also the House Minority leader and became the first woman in the georgia General Assembly. And a jd from moscow and the Public Affairs and also her magna cum laude from spelman and she has another commitment at noon so we have to stick to our time limits serve that he has a chance to ask her questions. You are recognized for five minutes. Thank you chairman and vice chairman and Ranking Member johnson the members of the committee i come before you today as a Civil Liberties<\/a> will come to order. Without objection the chair is authorized to declare a recess of the subcommittee at any time. I welcome everyone today to the hearing on protecting the rights of voters during the covid19 pandemic and thank the witnesses for joining us today and my colleagues are conducting this new format and continuing to serve the American People<\/a> during these challenging times. This is the first hearing of the Judiciary Committee<\/a> conducted under the new house remote proceeding rules. So, we might have a few spots but we will get through them. Id like to remind members we have established an email address and a distribution list dedicated to circulating exhibits, motions or other written materials members might want to offer as a part of the hearing today. If you would like to submit material please send them to judiciary documents and we will distribute to the members and staff as quickly as we can. Its also my understanding the gentleman from georgia, the former Committee Ranking<\/a> member will be joining the subcommittee the remainder of this Congress Since<\/a> the full committee hasnt yet been able to meet to ratify the subcommittees assignment he will be assuming, without objection they will be designating as a member of the committee for the purpose of todays hearing. I will now recognize myself for an Opening Statement<\/a>. We are in the midst of one of those moments in the nations history where conferencing this crisis and the way we respond to them will shape fundamentally who we are as a people. To begin with, we meet virtually today because we are in the middle of a Global Pandemic<\/a> thats taken the lives of over 100,000 fellows citizens, the pandemic that has exacerbated it exacerbated and impacted africanamericans among other historically disadvantaged people. This reflects americas original sin. The sin of us recognized yet is recognized in our revered founding document the United States<\/a> constitution. This ideology that undergirded and continued on through the jim crow wall and resists to change even for today resulting in an equal opportunities and consequences we are still grappling with. Another tragic manifestation is the pattern of crack this into justifiable way many feel weve seen that on the streets all over in the peaceful protests. Across the country they call a to do everything in my power as chairman to build a better and more just america in which i dedicated my public life to starting back in 1977. It is another day and im holding the hearing today. Protecting the right to vote during the covid19 pandemic is intrinsically tied to the protests occurring across the nation. Violence against black americans expressing the righ their righte are two sides of the same coin. The coin of systemic racism has plagued the country since when first were brought to this country as slaves. Think about it, 1619. That was 250 years before we became a nation. From jim crow to the present, politicians particularly in the south and elsewhere as well have sought to deny the ability of black americans and other people of color to vote. People with disabilities, language minority voters and native americans among others also have the right to vote undermined throughout history denying them. Now we deal with a viral pandemic stretching to both safely. But it affects voters of colors among others. States are left with a choice. Adapt to this new reality and ensure everyone can both safely in november or they fail to act in the face of this ischallenge. We know what needs to be done and we must ensure they can cast their ballots by mail if they choose and they shouldnt have to go through this endless bureaucratic way to do it. President trump said theres an inherent backed by every in addition study this past election from utah, oregon, washington two yesterday in pennsylvania. But he also said when he made that message recently without this case thinking about politics. The fact is many republicans support the mailin voting and benefited from it. States must proactively send out ballots to voters or at least for the mailin ballots to make it easy for people especially if there is a spike come november for even worse conditions and more reasons to be concerned. For Many Americans<\/a> such as those that have changed address, voting by mail is not a realistic option. The most obvious way to ensure the polling places is to spread out the Voting Period<\/a> and allow people to cast their ballots early. The act that passed the house is now sitting before the senate and we mandate each of those things. It gives the funding they desperately need to carry all of those out. The treasury 500 billion to bail out corporations, we can certainly afford the 3. 6 billion but it will cost to safeguard the very unique system of government was the source of power and people. No american should have to choose between their health and their right to vote. Democracy including the right to vote is the way our founders respond to whatever challenges we place. Its been and will be the characteristic of who we are as a nation. I look forward to hearing from each of the witnesses gathered here today and thank them for agreeing to appear and testify on this subject. And at this point, it is my pleasure to recognize the Ranking Member<\/a> of the subcommittee, the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Johnson for his Opening Statement<\/a>. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and thanks to everybody. Thank you everyone for joining us this morning. This is an important subject and i appreciate the prayer. Everybody needs that right now. I think all of us agree that the Senate Reconciliation<\/a> and Transformative Solutions<\/a> has a change and we all agree those are long overdue. So that we boldly declare this that and that we are all endowed by god himself with the same inalienable rights. Everybody has volume and then to contribute to society it is inherent. Any fool that contends any natural right of supremacy over his neighbors violates not only the creed of america and thats important to acknowledge. And for help us to help us and then also the honorable men and women because they also are in jeopardy right now. And theyve done nothing but make it worse and i know that we all agree on that as well. And to make all of us recognize the covid19 pandemic has affected our country in countless ways. We express condolences to those who have lost their battle with this invisible enemy and First Responders<\/a> and doctors and nurses and the Trump Administration<\/a> for taking crucial steps to help prevent the spread any further. Despite chinas efforts about the effect of the virus i am glad the president instituted sanitation protocols in a task force and along with the Vice President<\/a> with decades in Public Health<\/a> has been very important for the country in our response. We are all adjusting to the new normal we have to say we are disappointed the committee is not in dc to conduct this important hearing. Grocery store workers and healthcare personnel that they can show up in person to do their job we should do the same thing. That on the issue of the hearing today, i just want to say and i will be brief we all believe in the importance of the election that is essential to republican or democratic form and the one eligible american to participate in every vote we just dont believe the suggestions proposed on the other side of the aisle are in the best interest of the election system and what has been proposed with the broad federal mandates how state should run the election we believe the mandate is in the constitution itself the election clause gives them ability to administer within their Jurisdiction Congress<\/a> doesnt have the authority to override the state laws but they are in the best position to determine based on each individual needs. Is connected and then all of these by mail the hardest you be legalized nationwide. And to increase at the worst possible time and even in the New York Times<\/a> there is a bipartisan consensus voting by mail is more easily abuse than other forms. Similarly the Bipartisan Commission<\/a> cochaired by former jimmy carter and secretary of state bakers said in their final report in 2005 absentee ballots is the largest source of potential voter fraud in american elections. Absentee voting also has practical problems compared to in person voting or early voting. And to discuss those implications on the elections and with those logistical concerns this close to november with the state Voter Registration<\/a> law. And those that outnumber the citizen. And those that can deliver ballots on time and to the right people i acknowledge concerns about the pandemic and the election now is not the time there is too much at risk we should be discussing how to vote in person safely in light of the new circumstances when you consider how the federal government can make our own decisions regarding the election and respond to the unique circumstances. I look forward to listening and hope we can have a thoughtful discussion and i yield back. You are welcome. Thank you for your statement i would like to recognize the gentleman from the Judiciary Committee<\/a> for his Opening Statement<\/a> and i thank you to all of the witnesses for joining us today i went to note the committee has been hard at work since the outbreak of the pandemic and then we discussed issues such as price gouging during the covid19 crisis and those in prisons and jails at the pandemic. And then to include measures in the cares act in response to what we learned and with that covid19 crisis in many standards to individuals is a nice detention and those that do not pose a risk to Public Safety<\/a> so when they heroes act for the homeowners and significant funding and the violence against women act and the Legal Services<\/a> corporation and then to ensure Public Safety<\/a> officers that have died will receive the benefits and next week will hold the hearing to address issues of accountability the committee is hard at work and we appreciate all the members during these challenging times. Also to acknowledge thes profoundly painful moments of our nation with violence against black americans once again have been torn open those that have been taken to the streets for their Constitutional Rights<\/a> we have a proud history of protest in this country but even at the most basic levels the local sheriffs and members of congress are supposed to be chosen by popular will thats it makes the country a democracy at the very core of governance for by the people some in the face of the Global Pandemic<\/a> in fact business as usual with hours long lines and those designed to suppress americas right to vote is at the heart of the system of selfgovernance and today it might even be deadly and the question if we can call ourselves even a democracy at all. If this sounds alarming consider this and then to be a voted because of their race or income or disability or the way they live the response to play games the way that they may hold power is not a democracy but Something Else<\/a> to have the most fundamental constitutional right is the right to vote in the most basic human right so i would like to say directly to the American People<\/a> there is no sitting this democracy and then with the right this november and then protecting your own health and in speaking to all the voters to vote by mail this and to have those resources to ensure and also have in person voting for those who choose not to vote by mail so that no one is disenfranchised and with that todays unprecedented challenges to carry out carry out free and Fair Elections<\/a> despite the pandemic we know what needs to be done todays hearing is the first step in the process thank you for holding this hearing and i yield back the balance of my time spent thinking we would normally note to the Ranking Member<\/a> he does not have a statement so the state straight to the witnesses think it is a for this hearing and allow to have each of the witnesses and their introduction we will recognize that witness for the for statement and then to be walked in on in their entirety. Nt of time to ask questions i will bang my gavel and also there will be a timer on your screen. Please be mindful. I would remind all of the witnesses you have a legal obligation to provide a truthful statement to the subcommittee in any false statement could subject you to prosecution through title 181st witness is the 47 secretary of state to ensure that elections are secure and accessible to michigan voters and the secretaries of state call the democratic process the first role as secretary of state is to enforce Campaign Finance<\/a> law. Receiving her jd from Harvard Law School<\/a> and from University School<\/a> of the law in detroit michigan which i visited with chairman conyers an expert on civil rights and election law you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today i started my career in Montgomery Alabama<\/a> and it was there i developed and solidified my own commitment for those that sacrifice and work that everyone is protected and secure today as the secretary of state chief election officer i am informed and inspired by many colleagues and advocates around the country many of whom im honored to speak alongside today and as we Work Across Party Lines<\/a> to ensure they are accessible in the midst of the pandemic into the 2020 election but we need your help democracy is a team sport we need a sustained and committed partner in the federal government to ensure voters have the clarity that elections will be held and their rights are secure 11. 2 Million Dollars<\/a> received in funding is welcome but it was not enough with a 40 milliondollar gap with those new challenges for our state importantly that heroes act will address these effectively and i urge everyone support in the district of columbia 41 states voters can vote to by mail if not then it is implemented with various degrees of effectiveness federal funding and standards will be written in my testimony it goes a long way to help avoid variations in the fall. Voters need clear choices how to vote and they need guidance and support for those choices. This need is acute and to be disenfranchised and thats an additional challenge to overcome want to close by sharing a Success Story<\/a> to elections this year one prior to the pandemic and in early may we held local elections at the height of the pandemic to demonstrate even in the midst of this moment safe and secure elections are possible to succeed we know every registered voter is an application and instruction how to vote from home we also provided a safe option for voters to cast their ballots on election day and then to recruit new election records nobody had to work somewhere they did not feel comfortable and every jurisdiction with ppe along with clear and explicit protocols how to have 6 feet of distance between election workers and voters than they could choose to safely exercise their vote that turnout was double and 99 percent of voters who participated in the may election chose to vote from home there were no crowds or long lines. The success demonstrated it is possible proper planning policy Education Resources<\/a> to ensure elections this fall are safe and accurate and secure also may most recent decision to narrow every registered voter application on how to vote by mail at the august primary in the november general election we can and will survive the pandemic but we need your ongoing help all of us working together across party lines and investment and input. Thank you. Thank you for condensing your remarks and interest of time he will have questions for you ms. Abrams is founder and chair of verified action and organization dedicated to advancing Voting Rights<\/a> and Electoral Reform<\/a> the democratic nominee for the state of georgia the first africanamerican woman nominated by a major party prior to running for governor the General Assembly<\/a> from 2007 to 2017 and also the House Minority<\/a> leader and became the first woman in the georgia General Assembly<\/a>. And a jd from moscow and the Public Affairs<\/a> and also her magna cum laude from spelman and she has another commitment at noon so we have to stick to our time limits serve that he has a chance to ask her questions. You are recognized for five minutes. Thank you chairman and vice chairman and Ranking Member<\/a> johnson the members of the committee i come before you today as a Voting Rights<\/a> advocate and founder of verified action an american deeply concerned of the challenges facing our democracy particular in the era of covid19. Furthermore i would do a disservice to millions of americans if we did not acknowledge the anger and anguish that we put together our demands for justice and the right to choose our leaders and through them the policies that govern us through the profound power of right to vote across the nation we face a Public Health<\/a> crisis, economic disaste disaster, continue distrust in the Justice System<\/a> in a coordinated assault on access to democracy congressional action has been vital to respond to the pandemic but the right to vote will determine how the recovery and systemic justice are achieved. Financially exhausted states are reliant on a contact at the federal government with mutual aid in times and catastrophic events to place critical guardrails on access and educate voters on the options and to increase the safety of inperson voting our obligation is to find these changes i appreciate what the house is done to acknowledge the fundamental obligation and i urge the Senate Colleagues<\/a> to take immediate action to pass the heroes act i was born in Madison Wisconsin<\/a> april 7th i watched with a cautionary tale as their election took place none of us should forget the images of those shivering in long lines in the in person polling location 71 known cases of coronavirus was the result of that election it is clear and uncontroverted polling places was a risk for the coworkers to rest their lives to function during the pandemic the first obligation is to reduce the number of voters who cast ballots in person on election day. All states have the current capacity. We must remove unnecessary barriers to the patient and scale infrastructure to have widespread use safe and tested and method of balance the American People<\/a> want expanded access to vote by mail two one margin despite the false reports voter fraud is any kind of extremely rare the New York Times<\/a> noted after 20 years that is infinitesimal. 0001 percent incident rate of fraud looking at the nation as a whole and 2016 more than half of the states reported zero substantiated allegations of voter fraud and other eight states had nine and the others had a minimum number not sufficient to alter the outcome of the election recent results show that voting by mail offers Neither Party<\/a> a partisan advantage this is a fundamental truth the election should not be partisan they should be cast along party lines of the process to determine leadership should not be leaders from both parties one higher participation in our democracy regardless of who wins america does best for me acknowledge our challenges and prepare for success to promote the Public Health<\/a> and participation to expand access to vote by mail with uniform guidelines so where we live in the country will not diminish our right to participate. Thank you for the opportunity and i urge you to take access to protect our democracy. Mr. Adams president and general counsel of the Public Interest<\/a> south asia and worked in the voting section of the department of justice and serving as general counsel to the South Carolina<\/a> secretary of state receiving law degree from South Carolina<\/a> school of lawyer recognized for five minutes. Thank you chairman Ranking Member<\/a>s of the committee thank you for the invitation today on the president and general counsel of the Legal Foundation<\/a> a nonpartisan charity devoted to promoting Election Integrity<\/a> and best practices for Election Officials<\/a> we found numerous failures and we note from several data voting by mail is the most vulnerable form of voting for hundreds of thousands of ballots have been rejected for defects and millions more are missing in landfills the United States<\/a> is not ready for an Emergency National<\/a> vote by mail scenario in 2020 and will not be putting the election into the hands of the United States<\/a> Postal Service<\/a> with numerous problems. First vote by mail will disenfranchise voters and with the election from transparent places where observers of both parties can monitor the process to moving it behind closed doors where the vulnerable and powerless are influenced by third parties i have attached to my testimony Court Opinion<\/a> from the district of minnesota be United States<\/a> versus brown they can see plainly how vote by mail can abuse the most vulnerable if you cruise the opinion pages 17 through 21 you will see what ballot harvesting fraud looks like from the inside notably the victims were visited in their home by politically connected vote harvesters that cast their ballots not the voters election should be an open and transparent places where the vulnerable can be protected trying to cast a ballot for them. Vote by mail has logistical problems the entire system was designed for in person voting we saw the failures yesterday in elections across the country and here in dc were tens of thousands of people did not return their ballot because they did not get them in the mail. State Election Officials<\/a> in the Us Justice Department<\/a> have been besieged by phone calls and complaints the last few weeks about ballots never arriving. We do not have the administrative infrastructure to ensure a clean automatic mail election based on current risk. Finally, we found in pittsburgh the people are not only registered twice or three times one was registered seven active simultaneous times by written testimony shows the seven separate records for the same person. He was registered to vote seven times by an outofstate thirdparty group in the weeks before the election under the automatic vote by mail plan that person would get seven ballots. Thank you very much for your time and attention on this important matter. Thank you mr. Addison. The next witnesses the director of the Brennan Center<\/a> for justice at the school of law. Chairman adlers district and went to Columbia Law School<\/a> and also at nyu school of politics. Still in nadlers district receiving a law degree from Columbia University<\/a> the Public Policy<\/a> Kennedy School<\/a> you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you for having me. In this time of reckoning for the country i briefly map out five critical needs each state must address to assure no voters left behind during this pandemic testimony provides more details and a resource appendix the single most important thing that members of this committee can do to protect our elections is to play your part to get state and local administrators additional financial resources. First sameday registration opportunities the moment we are in now makes it plain the democracy works best we are all heard at this time impasse president ial election years we see an increase of Voter Registration<\/a> rates we are not seeing that now and this is a surprise. Government agencies providing Voter Registration<\/a> are those that register voters are unable to do in person outreach accordingly the states that dont have online registration should provide that and should be at capacity. All online registration systems should account for the fact some americans do not have id son have disabilities and some to conduct important business in another language also the Digital Divide<\/a> is real so all americans have more options. All must have the option to vote by mail all has absentee or male voting that option should be available to every eligible american so no one has expose themselves or others to the coronavirus. Americans from all walks of life and to vote by mail we know this because of the polls and the increase request for a meal ballots vote by mail is necessary insecure and sensible option especially now at the november election of course some witnesses will make a out of the rear instances of abuse but there is zero dispute appropriate safeguards should be in place and they are multiple layers of security for each valid thats why the instances of fraud are so rare. We must provide safe and person voting options even if more voters vote by mail they still need an adequate number of polling places they are failsafe to be the glitch that we scale up where the vote by mail and some americans are deeply attached to in person voting those that have impairments that make in person voting difficulty. States and localities should offer sufficient hours of early voting polling places should be in venues suited to comply with that distancing poll workers need ppe with those paper ballots and we must educate voters about the election process Voter Education<\/a> is more important now than ever because of changes and misinformation and disinformation our current and we must be prepared of a new cybersecurity threat those that should have been available now have to be diverted to make sure we must audit and test with the online with those systems of greater use additionally so in many places officials of both parties are working on it the changes needed and then it will those levels of officials to those during the crisis and then to model for what it desperately needs. Thank you. President of Judicial Watch<\/a> of 1998 to describe itself that those act ethically and do not abuse the powers given by the American Public<\/a> that this freedom of information act and her records and have over 20 years of Public Policy<\/a> to receive the v. A. When you are recognized for five minutes. And four years last year gallup has been tracking if americans have confidence and the honesty of election specifically only 40 percent said yes. 59 percent said no that doesnt help plan site Governor Newsom<\/a> recently required county Election Officials<\/a> transmit mail ballots to every voter in the state and in 2005 to have connection to voter fraud and vote by mail and the commission noted that absentee ballots are reduced in several ways. And those that might get intercepted and those with the workplace are more susceptible to pressure over and settle and they were far more difficult to detect we are concerned about putting mail to the wrong address continuing registrations for and then many years back there were 24 million registrations that were no longer valid or accurate. Ellie they could have gotten much better with the commission of 2019 showed counties of our registered voters that the registration rate was 100 percent looking at that data for at least two and a half million on those voter rolls but the outdated and currently active registrations and they could still be voted upon on election day. They just need to show up and to affirm his or her address. That can be done through representation of poll worker said yes. And with 70000 names are removed from the list. So after receiving a warning letter North Carolina<\/a> data shows 1 million registrations along with 800,000 we have asserted the states to clean up their voter rolls and in california since the fall the quality is relied on the pace of the been pandemic and failed to restrict ballot harvesting under state law that people will be showing up and attracting with people as they gather ballots increasingly the likelihood of Health Issues<\/a> and the justification but absent when talking about ballot harvesting schemes. And then. Thank you serve. The director of the aclu without Voting Rights<\/a> has active cases and dozens of states and the jd as jail you are recognized for five minutes. And the baking pandemic as a greatest challenge and with the president ial election and when polling places and 2016 and with all in the midst with 500,000 americans if they believe to exercise we must follow the cdc recommendations and to minimize direct contact with other people that this is a big challenge 80 million americans voted and in the absentee voting than ever. The aclu has actively advocated and how it simplify from what it began in virginia and my colleagues in the home state of tennessee but this is not a partisan issue. And those that voting by mail is a secure way to cast your ballot. And then the attorney general recent remarks seek to undermine the publics confidence the majority of states including several represented and then to allow them to vote during their primaries. And without a Broad Coalition<\/a> and then to say its not too late. And then during the pandemic. Only five states currently refusing louisiana texas mississippi and missouri. And those at everyone else in this country has and then to have the vote say fact to introduce and with the health and safety of polling places and with that unprecedented level and then to have an increase they need federal support more than any previous election. And because of a rounding error. And we must ensure the Postal Service<\/a> can do his job thank you. The next witnesses president from the Transformative Justice Coalition<\/a> at the Civil Rights Act<\/a> of 1991 she also served as cochair facilitator for those efforts and the Voting Rights<\/a> alliance for civil rights due to 2015 and is taught at columbia School University<\/a> of law. And at scripps college. Thank you so much chairman and Ranking Member<\/a> and all the members of the subcommittee and with Voter Suppression<\/a> and in 2011 and now because the coalbed 19 and in texas and when they vote if they are in hospice or in a nursing home. But also note that in the National Press<\/a> there have been articles by bad actors with the voter challenges and the offduty police officer. In these actions of the past and then massive Voter Registration<\/a> campaigns. And those major institutes and with and then with this information and we know thats a problem from big tech. So we need to create a Rapid Response<\/a> system and also of the 214 million registered voters what is the active list. You do not receive a mailin ballot. And then to clean up and then 18 Million People<\/a> in our country and their over 18 Million People<\/a> purge the last several years who had no clue they were purged from the voter rolls. They also deserve active outreach in the voter options and then to have several impediments and i will not get into it i have a laid out in my testimony and then we need drivability on voting. And vote by mail. And that concludes my testimony in our final witnesses Michelle Bishop<\/a> the disability advocacy specialist. And with those initiatives in the real estate and the nationwide network. And then washington hughes. And in sociology. And i you are recognized for five minutes. Said thank you for the opportunity to testify today with the National Disability<\/a> Rights Network<\/a> to the federal a mandate have advocacy network. And from the threat of coveting team and during the pandemic to allow for as many voters as possible for their own safety as well as the health of the voters reducing in person turnout is necessary for in person voting to distance to allow poll workers to sanitize between voters. Now is the time to have mailin ballots the notaries in particular the state home orders or in quarantine to access doctors no reason witnesses. Even with these measures in place they are not have never been accessible to voters a disability limited literacy and limited manual dexterity cannot privately or independently marker verify the paper ballot. And to implement some form of delivery with the electronic ballot into be widely available and primarily vote by mail states and those systems that we innocence are considered the most vulnerable undercover 19 to be the only voter with the end person voting and then to have the privilege of voting for the safety of their home. That is not panacea. And those in jurisdictions across the nation and to be more accessible are not fully accessible and has a result in person voting must be available and for the center of Disease Control<\/a> and the recommended Health Guidelines<\/a> early voting. Must be extended for several weeks before election day. And also to be significantly increased. And then should be allowed to vote curbside even with is not currently allowed and those that inevitably arise in the despite the location. Many have stepped up. And then to call on congress to Work Together<\/a> to pass a bill and with that accessibility for people of accessibility. Also to pass the Pilot Program<\/a> on the northern Mariana Islands<\/a> with native americans with disabilities and for the only two excluded through the advocacy simple and no cost legislative fix. Finally congress Us Department<\/a> of justice has a Critical Role<\/a> that elections are fair and accurate safe and accessible. To pass those for voter of distribute disability should be protected and enforced to the full capacity we call them americans with disabilities as well as the help of all voters and democracy. Thank you. Now we go to a period of questions and i start with myself thank you for all the challenges there was a and confidence or a combination . Voter suppression three forms register and stay on the role access the ballot and get your ballot counted and Voter Registration<\/a> remains a challenge as does voter purging based on false information and incompetence. And with that ability to cast ballot and those that only have one method of casting their ballot because disability or language barriers are homeless measures due to evictions and foreclosures. And because they are to participate in the process voting by mail they need to get one person so my deeper he is because we focus on one or the other to the exclusion we do not use the full tools at our disposal. I like to point out to this committee that south korea began experiencing at the exact same time of the United States<\/a> managed to scale up the National Election<\/a> on april 15 the single highest voter turnout and 15 years through vote by mail that is the critical nature of the heroes act the secretary state 34 states vote by mail already 16 require excuses with a handful of states that are expanding that access but if we do all three within person voting and vote by mail we dont have to face the question of incompetence those can be allowing people to utilize another methodology. Thank you ms. Abrams President Trump<\/a> falsely accuse you sailing millions of dollars to michigan voters. Can you explain what they did and his is a partisan issue . Thank you for the question and the opportunity to clarify what we did. We feel that educating them in the middle of the pandemic is a job at the secretary of state right now. What i did it in michigan as in West Virginia<\/a> and iowa and nebraska it is simply to mail an application to every registered voter and to receive valid through the mail in the november elections has been called for by the voters i serve and work for and with that right to vote by mail so this is not the responsibility and authority the secretary of state has to inform citizens about their rights and times of great uncertainty. Because theres been a lot of misinformation in my this is no different than getting a valid and then confirm the identity when they do so. And to be clean and honest that were accurately delivering the vote by mail that they are unlikely registered to vote and those that are recently deceased and then to take steps to remove so the other piece of this that we can increase. Let me ask you this. Did anyone complain about the result . Sorry claim fraud. The post office didnt get some balance delivered on time. And in michigan and then to implement the voter tracking system. And that they can plan ahead are you just choose not to return your ballot. And then to show up in person. It is moving out. Bank of that jurisdiction what are the dangers decided by the courts . And to be successful and by the legislature. And in advance of the election and the high they need to prepare. The legislature will not do that. And when they are exercising their rights we have the choice to go to court and that hearing is going on right now. My time is up. In cay have an extreme version of harvesting and no regulation about who can do it. To allow the emergency circumstances to have their spouse deliver a ballot for them is far different to have Party Operatives<\/a> and interested third party is knocking on doors and demanding are asking for ballots. Its a recipe for voter intimidation and thats why it is largely banned across the country. We rightly oppose what happened in North Carolina<\/a> and frequency because of the temptation for fraud. The best i can tell you what was nationalized us about what harvesting scheme and upended the voting walls in terms of voter id in 35 states and undermine security to the extent that its available or is implemented in a few states pursuing it and absentee ballots. Talk about causing chaos on election day, doing this so close to election day is irresponsible in my view. Thank you very much. Mr. Adams, democrats have also proposed that states, win an election is held, quote, in an area that had an emergency will automatically keep the registered voters in that area. They found 244 counties spanning 29 states in addition to the district of columbia have Voter Registration<\/a> rates over 100 of the population. How might these lead to increased fraud of the state is all mail voting . We upped the game looking at the ratio where we looked at the role and as you see in my written testimony, individuals are registered seven different times. We have duplicate registrations around the country. People get on in multiple states. If you have automatic mail outs, you would have people getting seven ballots to vote in the pennsylvania election. That isnt a good policy. Very good. It gives each state the authority to administer within its jurisdiction and only gives congress the authority to regulate federal elections. But arguably, states of the position to administer their own unique features. Do you agree with that sentiment and if so what challenges do you foresee if every state is forced to administer in the same manner . Onesizefitsall. You have the baker Parker Commission<\/a> as being the exception that proves the rule. It doesnt mean that it will work in other states. If you have populations that are moving in and out more quickly and you have tremendous risk to the all mail voter fraud or increased risk as a result of having these flood the system. Frankly applications at the ballots correctly. The concern is over the states doing sensible steps to make sure people are able to vote on election day. What we are hearing about today is the plan that has been in place long before covid so they are using the pretext of the pandemic as an excuse to get a policy proposal that will undermine Election Integrity<\/a>. Why does the voter id or the federal law that requires the states to take reasonable steps . I oppose the motion of the citizenship verification . The American People<\/a> have the right to have confidence and want to hear about the instances of voter fraud. I get frustrated. Thank you, sir. Our next questioner is mr. Nadler from new york for five minutes. Secretary, weve heard a lot today about voter fraud. Can you explain what michigan does to make sure they are legitimate and states can do this particularly the comment about the ballot harvesting . Of course it is illegal and if the question is about whether someone can drop off another persons ballot, they are only limited circumstances in which that is allowed and only by an immediate family member. Importantly the signature check on multiple levels is confirmation that the only person voting and returning is the voter themselves. The signature takes place once the application is returned and voter requested to be sent into this match Voter Registration<\/a> signature and then second when it is ultimately returned the voter must sign the outside of the envelope and then it is matched to the other signatures we have on file and as any expert will tell you it is significantly harder to order signatures. To argue in my view the signature check enables this method thats been in place for decades to ensure people returning the ballots and if there is any effort to create a process we executed swiftly. In michigan and many other states [inaudible] when it does occur, we catch it and prosecute it. Including those when they mail them out in the first place the Foreign Government<\/a> could mail them out in michigan . No it is not and to me that strikes to a bigger issue. Its the effort in the integrity of the process and in that way the voter confidence and results. The effort to push back is one of the most important efforts we need to be engaged in across the party lines for sure. What would you say to potential voters that are worried that the ballot will be counted or will loose faith that the participation matters . I think the most effective statements we can make is that we want every eligible voter to be able to cast a ballot and protect their health. One of the challenges is a suspicion about the value of the free voice and value of every person or nation and to the extent we know a disproportionate number are people of color, namely africanamerican. Its a critical moment to demonstrate that it will not be impeded because of situations beyond their control. We have watched people get sick in wisconsin standing in long lines forced to crowd together because of a holding places to cast a ballot for their future. We know it is going to draw a great deal of attention because we are not only running a president ial election but those that will determine everything from district attorneys to the state legislators and governors and so we want every american with a right to vote to know they have the freedom to do so and the access and it will not exist if we have limited means and people have to put their lives at risk to cast the ballot. That reaffirms the belief that we do not value their humanity and that is an inappropriate statement or any american to make especially for the political leaders charged with ensuring access to the democracy. And that is why the early voting is so crucial. It is part of the process. And therid. There will be populs that cannot use mail in voting. I do not advocate for these universal ballot. I advocate for the ballot in the 2020 election with response to the pandemic that allows every eligible american the option to mail in their ballot rather than put their life at risk by standing in a crowded line thank you. And i will yield back. The next questioner will be mr. Gohmert of texas. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I appreciate the hearing and then used to christian beliefs being belittled by the majority too many times since your arrival in 2007. So, im really honest in saying how much i appreciate the tenor in which you started this hearing. I also want to express prayers to the george floyd family. Its tragic the looting and the rioting that we have seen especially costing minority businesses their life work. We need to bring about the same type of feeling that we have had in this hearing. We can disagree but not be violent or destroy things were for Goodness Sake<\/a> is [inaudible] told by a protester. We need to encourage this kind of thing to stop. I keep hearing the concern over the virus but i havent heard any of the witnesses from the majority expressed concern about the protests and rioting in many places we are not even allowed to go unless we wear a mask that is those of us ar that are tryig to be law abiding. Do you recall the aftermath of the election in 20002 it was that was screaming for election reform and every single county everybody needed to go to electronic voting and they pushed the majority into passing an Unfunded Mandate<\/a> requiring electronic voting. Do you recall that . Yes. Then he objected to the outcome and obviously that was impacted by the controversy over the paper ballot so there is a push for electronic voting. All of the Voting Machines<\/a> that were engineered as a result are getting old and need to be replaced. There is no secure way to vote over the internet. They dont have the technology to do it. We dont have the competency to do it an in the least second mot secure way to vote over the mail. If you want to be sure your vote is counted is to hear inflammatory rhetoric you are choosing your life over your vote is not appropriate and causes people to be nervous about voting. That is as suppressive as anything ive heard, telling people they are going to die or likely to die if they vote. We can see people will exercise First Amendment<\/a> rights if they think its important. Voting is important and they will and should be able to vote in person without being scared to death about doing it. We have already heard in this hearing that we watched wisconsin voters getting sick and that occurred on april 7, 2020, but my understanding was wisconsin held that without the mail in mandate and they didnt see a spike in the covid19 cases. Are you familiar with what happened in wisconsin . [inaudible] the pandemic is receiving. We now know that the concerns are largely overblown. If you have true concerns in many states you can vote by absentee ballot. Frankly i think they are too readily available. The law is what it is and this is a solution in search of a problem. If you want to vote by mail, you likely can. Lets stop fooling people and stop preparing for the election rather than trying to upend the election. [inaudible] i need to ask unanimous consent this is offered by christian outcomes and makowski, covid19 and ebola [inaudible] i ask that the debate could be made part of the record. Without objection. I meant to get to mr. Adams, but my time is expired. Thank you. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Im going to start with a word about mr. Johnson because i always get carried away with his eloquence but im struck today he began by denouncing the coldblooded murder of george floyd and also called and i wrote it down please correct me if i got it wrong he called for transfer the solutions versus change. With that, i think ive got to depart from my friend from louisiana because when he started to talk about Elections Committee<\/a> lost me. He said states know best how to run their elections. Of course thats true. But they also know that is how to steal elections and how to suppress the vote and disenfranchise minorities. The elections have been offended by the crisis and we dont have to get into a blame game about whether he thinks donald trump has engaged in the most exquisite and Perfect Management<\/a> of the pandemic or if he thinks its been a debacle. More than 105,000, 2 million have been second, 40 million have been thrown out of work not by any of the secretaries of states like the wonderful secretary of state we saw from michigan or any of the Voting Rights<\/a> activists. Ohio had to close 125 polling places because they were in Retirement Homes<\/a> or Senior Living<\/a> centers. We have seen tremendous poll worker shortages across the country because most are retirees. They are Older Americans<\/a> and many of them are following the Disease Control<\/a> recommendations not to go out in groups. 16 states including my own maryland have had to postpone their primaries and when one was prevented from doing so, wisconsin, we ended up with 71 cases of covid19 from people who stood in those long lines wrapped around the block as they struggled to get into i think it was for or five polling places in all of milwaukee. Many polling places did an didnn because there was nobody to run them. To say the concerns of covid19 are overblown is extraordinary and baffling to me. I suppose no one in his family or no one he knows has been affected by covid19. But the idea that its overblown is outrageous. With the stars with a question. You said something that was astounding. You said that the committee sent out a mailer saying that the mail in voting is an easy and secure way to vote and get the Witnesses Today<\/a> are testifying against the vote by mail. In my testimony encouraging voters to vote by mail this is not a partisan issue. Many states across the political spectrum are going further than the. States like georgia, iowa, nebraska, ohio, West Virginia<\/a> and most recently wisconsin. How americans vote securely and safely. I understand 33 states have the voting from home option. 66 or two thirds of the state. You say all should have a vote by mail option and the majority of people already have a vote by mail option where is the opposition coming from. 34 states have no excuse. 15 states have some version of vote by mail. So all 50 states plus the district of columbia offer vote by mail. The challenge is the access and its those states that have strained access or the need to scale up whos going to request it. We saw this play out yesterday in pennsylvania where the number of people requesting vote by mail because they can outstrip the capacity of the states to meet the need. The issue is not that it cant be done but that the states required to support make it so and we need a guard rail. To address the question, we are not trying to force states to conform exactly to the same election that we are trying to set the flooset up for four witc understanding of being able to participate in our democracy looks like in this pandemic. We are setting a floor, not a ceiling. [inaudible] thank you, chairman. They have to come to grips with this we need to continue that so im glad they are looking forward to that. Todays will be interesting to me and i am concerned about the discussion here Going Forward<\/a> because the wording that is used is something that is bothersome and the wor a word of what sql s happening. The interesting issue is weve been working and unfortunately georgia because of things that have been done by others in the country is held up as a place voters were not encouraged to vote and in december but numbers dont show that. In fact from 2014 to 2018 africanamerican male and female went up 13, 14 and hispanic Voter Participation<\/a> increased 18 to 24 . In our state of georgia. When we look at this and talk about, i go back to a quick question here because i know that ms. Abrams is very precise in her working and you used in your Opening Statement<\/a> uncontroverted and i would assume you would agree with me this means it is with truth not dispute it or not, correct . I was attempting to turn on my microphone. I have that problem, too mac. I would agree with your definition, yes. Then the question that has come up several times we keep bringing up wisconsin. The World Health Organization<\/a> study that says there is no correlation between the cases and wisconsin because of the voting. There may have been more cases but theres been no rise overall and the question is other than determining the voting place, so its interesting we should say that this is uncontroverted in your word is that it broke your heart, but also prefer hard to see folks standing in line because local officials chose to limit their Voting Machines<\/a> and polling locations . We need to make sure we can continue the process and the discussion if not rhetoric that tries to scare people. The question that comes into my mind you are being forced to choose and we just got off the discussion how many have no excuse absentee voting i would agree there are others that need to be encouraged and i would encourage that. Everybody needs to go. My question is where is the choice to put your life in danger every one can request an absentee ballot and get it. That seems a contradiction. They want to answer that . I will try to address all the questions. Theyve been directly related to april 7 according to the Wisconsin State Journal<\/a> which is in my testimony. Number two, no one has claimed voting has created an overwhelming majority of cases there is a direct correlation. Ive known you for a long time but im going to say this, you understand april 7 is the start date for all 71 to have received the virus at the time that is probably not a proven statement in fact. The infrastructure of the state is insufficient to meet your request that is the reason for the request for funding because of the state of georgia for example, yes millions of people have requested but not everyone has received it because the state doesnt have the funding but i dont only represent a state of georgia, the work i do is across the entire United States<\/a> of i speak for voters to have the choice to vote by mail but may not be able to. I agree with that. Thank you ms. Abrams. I think that it would be tone deaf if we didnt recognize the moment our country is in right now. I do welcome the opportunity in a bipartisan way for the committee to live up to the role that its played in the past to work on civil rights legislati legislation, to protect black americans from police abuse. But going to voting which of course relates to the plight of African Americans<\/a> in our country, i want to ask ms. Abrams, you are familiar with the for the people act. I want to know in georgia, what would that legislation if it was signed into law, what would it mean for an upcoming Georgia Election<\/a> considering the voting abuses we have seen in your state in the past . I want to address a statement made earlier which is there is correlation between increased. In the United States<\/a> we often see as the response and attempt to respond by increasing presence. That doesnt mean every person that attempts to participate is allowed to do so. That is the equivalent as i said before because more people get into the water suddenly there are fewer sharks. That is in the correlation we should use and its not the appropriate test of democracy. What this would provide is the challenge is the folks in georgia face. Number one, automatic Voter Registration<\/a> and sameday registration would solve the challenge of exact match that placed the state of georgia particularly for africanamericans in our state. The additional language that permits expanded access across the country would absolutely guarantee voters of color more direct access. Black and brown voters are most likely to have their absentee ballots rejected and to be subjected to more restrictive voter id laws and lets be clear there is absolutely no concept for the notion of being able to prove who you are. The challenges that they become more and more restrictive and thereby eliminating people who should otherwise be able to cast a ballot including a 100yearold woman in the state of wisconsin who because she couldnt provide a birth certificate was disallowed for voting for the first time in more than a decade. That is the challenge that gets addressed. Addressed. We remove the barriers and remain protective of our democracy and expand access to everyone that is eligible to participate. Does voting by mail go as far back as the civil war . It does indeed. Today a soldier in afghanistan that doesnt have a ballot box that they can go and vote at, are they voting by mail . They are indeed. Are there any ballots less secure than vote by mail here at home . They are not. In fact, we have made appropriate mechanisms available at every single state to guarantee access to vote by mail which is by the controversy around expanded access is so perplexing because we have the states that permit it and what they are saying is in the midst of a pandemic that has robbed most states of the Economic Resources<\/a> they need the federal government a superpower mutual aid should step up to the resources necessary to allow everything to participate in our democracy and that is why we have the United States<\/a> and why we have this joint relationship between state and federal government. And its worked every cycle for the military. Did you know that last month in californias 25th Congressional District<\/a> there was a 100 vote by mail where he said it was good to be a fraudulent outcome not only is that true but in the statthat inthe state of utan hundred vote by mail that doesnt privilege one community over another but equal access guarantees that theres equal participation and that should be the goal of the democracy. It is a two to one margin. On the most infinitesimal chance but there ichanceof their theold logistical way to solve the problem particularly because it protects those that have no choice but to vote in person. I want to thank you for allowing me to move the hearing of an hour. She has to leave i believe it is afternoon. To be taken do you have a question . They dont. We will proceed. I want to thank you for your opening remarks and thoughts and prayers with the American People<\/a> during this difficult time. Its an unprecedented time in the midst of a Global Pandemic<\/a> citizens are asked to do their civic duty by participating not just in november. Just last month cities and towns in my home state of Virginia Held<\/a> local elections and not only were they held without incident but in some cases the turnout was higher than in the previous. Its changed how we live our lives in every decision we make the risks of our actions whether it is Grocery Shopping<\/a> and even now voting as election day approaches it is important. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle would agree with the physical and their proposal to administer because each state is best positioned to run their own and even more concerning the prospect of losing the states ability to address is the potential that it could cause or encourage although i support absentee balloting and recent efforts in virginia to move to a no excuse absentee balloting, i am concerned with some of the proposals. They must find the envelope before turning over. As the commission has noted maintaining accurate Voter Registration<\/a> is essential to protecting Election Integrity<\/a> and thats where we have differing standards all around the country. Its been suggested that the states when an election is held automatically mail them to the voters do you have any concerns with that proposal absenc absent updating the Voter Registration<\/a> roll . They are removing up to 1. 6 million names and the mouse was found 13 counties totaling over 1 million extra names so in theory all those folks would get ballots because they are still registered to vote. The plant aside from its locality whether there was the authority to do it is bad policy. I understand we need to be prepared for a potential surge but its the wrong way to vote. The best way to ensure that is to go vote in person and we have these concerns. How does that comport with this posh for the bailout harvesting which is illegal everywhere. If these people go around and take ballots from people. This is the old adage never let a crisis go to waste. They can vote in person, they can pursue the mailin ballots as appropriate that we should be encouraging people to vote in person that is the best way to be sure that the votes are secure and counted. Thank you. In the interest of time i would yield back. Ms. Sheila jackson lee has a question for ms. Abrams if she could ask briefly. Thank you very much. Ms. Abrams, thank you very much. How important is it to ensure any mailin Ballot Program<\/a> that individuals have received about ten desire to vote in person but there is protection for those individuals . Was i heard . [inaudible] im sorry to the congressmen i didnt see your request until after we got started. [inaudible] im honored to be able to participate in this First Virtual<\/a> hearing by the house Judiciary Committee<\/a>. Its so important that congress be able to conduct its essential business to the American People<\/a> at the time when one of the most essential things that we can do is to limit the spread of covid19 and protect those whose physical presence is essential while maintaining social distancing whenever we can. And of course an obvious parallel between the virtual hearing and one of the central topics of discussion today which is the Important Role<\/a> of the voting by mail to allow voters to exercise their Constitutional Rights<\/a> while maintaining social distancing during the Public Health<\/a> emergency. I represent pennsylvania and it has been noted by several speakers we had our primary election yesterday. Last year the Pennsylvania Legislature<\/a> overwhelmingly passed voting reforms including no excuse mailing ballots and did so on a strong bipartisan basis 70 of both. Yesterday was the first opportunity for voters to use the system and there is no denying that there were some challenges in implementing its largely because of the covid19 epidemic which has killed more than 6,000 pennsylvanians already. We had almost 2 million pennsylvanians apply for a mailin ballot. And while this is presenting its logistical challenges, by and large, it ran smoothly and we will keep working together state, local and federal to improve the process. One thing that was absolutely clear is the need for Additional Resources<\/a> for scanning, printing and processing the ballot. One of the biggest issues we had was the staffing given the disparate impact on the seniors that we typically rely on at the polling places. Many had to be consolidated so i got a message from a friend working yesterday who was really shocked by how many people refuse to vote by mail and instead plugged the polling places because they heard the president s derogatory statements about voting by mail. He said shes concerned the lack of adequate voting is going to trigger another wave of coronavirus and we just came out of the peak and would like to avoid another one. It was interesting last week on my way back from our voting session in dc i heard the republican secretary of state in washington share her statement with the mailin voting in an interview entitled lessons to learn from Washington State<\/a> decadelong experiences and i would ask unanimous consent to enter the transcript into the record. Without objection it will be done. Thank you. I want to turn to the issue of disability voting. Ms. Bishop, even under normal circumstances, without a pandemic, the voting systems are often inaccessible for individuals with disabilities and i introduced the Voting Rights<\/a> act which was included in hr one to try to get the state and federal officials to invest in the voting where accessible. We talk a lot today about the importance of the mailin voting as a way to keep safe to detour the polls. Its inherently inaccessible to people with disabilities and i think the most obvious example of that if i were a voter who was blind and went to my polling place and you gave me a paper ballot and a pen and asked me to mark it, i cant do that. If you mail the ballots to my home i dont magically redeem my vision. So they could still inaccessible to me. We have to have options that make the voting accessible to people with disabilities. Electronic delivery of our making it significantly more accessible for people to access both by mail. But it does improve the accessibility that needs more will be able to opt to vote by mail. Any that dont offer will all lead to the expansion right now and make that an option for all voters. Thank you you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you mr. Chairman and thanks for having the hearing. It gives me the opportunity to educate people on how we do things in north dakota and i think i would start by saying there are no federal elections. Theres only local elections and federal elected officials and i know that because north dakota has probably the easiest voting in the entire country. We have no Voter Registration<\/a>. We have 30 day residency requirement and allow them to vote when they are out of prison and we are proud of all of those things and i think that is one of the problems i have and just to be clear it was easy for us to set up because we have a number already that are almost exclusively vote by mail. But as it is always the case when we try to do these things from a federal level when we are attempting to solve it will cause problems in places like mine. Requiring 20 days early voting in a county with 700 people doesnt make any sense and in fact weve spent many year we hn different counties into different jurisdictions to get this right. And then we have places that shorten it up outside of business hours. The other thing we do with all absentee and early voting is required but its postmarked the day before the election. They want to know the result on election day. But other things that exist in all of the different proposals that make it difficult, mandating that when a declared emergency that is automatically vote by mail is pretty interesting for us. What most people call weather emergencies we usually call tuesday. Varying degrees in some place or another within our state, there is a federally declared emergency whether it is for drought, flood, blizzard, all those different things. These proposals are lenient voter id because we dont have the Voter Registration<\/a>. It would be contrary to north dakota state law and there is a conflict with all of those different things. But as we spend so much time talking about how we deal with Voter Registration<\/a> and the different issues involved in that, again, north dakota doesnt have it so we deal with different things. I have to say even as we are doing this right now in dakota, you want your population to have confidence in the voting proce process. And in our secretary of states effort which i applaud to ensure everybody has the opportunity to vote i would also say that if more than three fourths of the ballot that have been requested by absentee voting in north dakota are returned, this will be the highest voter turnout in the history. I anticipate that probably will not be the case. It will probably be closer to or slightly above average, but when we do this, we are seeing these sent to their hous house when ty havent lived there for three generations. Me to continue twe need to ce forward. I guess my question for come as we nationalize these things forr states like north dakota we would have to completely revamp how we do our voting and in our case it would be more restrictive, not less. The wall that secures the vote most americans support the voter id in significant numbers both republican and democrat. This is a noncontroversial issue other than some hardcore activists on one side who oppose the voter id using fraudulent numbers and reasons for doing so did we want people to be safe and secure. Speak you those are the two. Next is ms. Dean for five minutes. Thank you mr. Chairman and i thank you and the Ranking Member<\/a> for your opening to the hearing on the subcommittee and im pleased to be a part of it and i am mindful of the extraordinary difficulty of the country and in the world. Im going to start with my first question if i may, for the secretary of state. As my friend and colleague pointed out yesterday its delayed due to the pandemic it was a test to see how prepared we are in managing for the november election. Its time for every state. We are figuring things out as we go and there are going to be problems. The problem is 161,000 votes in my county and Montgomery County<\/a> applied for the ballots. Its the first time that we have had that opportunity. The estimated perhaps maybe 20 or 30,000 based on the absentee ballots so instead a whopping 161,000 who seek a mailin ballot. Some of the problems that we have experienced is that for some it went out by market mail instead of being marked priority mail. Those that are not familiar it is the same type of postage that with the fan mail, delaying its delivery as long as ten to 14 days if not more. Some of my own constituents including a member of my staff didnt get their ballots in time even though they had timeservers of problems we can expect and that is just one important point. Mr. Secretary, from your experience as you pointed out printing more ballots cost money. Ensuring the polling places are safe and well equipped cost money. Postal service is on the front line and Needs Resources<\/a> and our local and state governments need our federal support. As the official responsible for administering your state election in what areas or issues have you felt that lack of resources . Thank you for the question and for pointing out what we have learned here in michigan which is theres a solutio thero address a lot of these concerns out there but its hard to adopt a system in a system that is predominantly voting by mail quickly and we were able to do that in michigan in 2018 it was to have the right to vote by mail and so like many other states we saw an influx in our primary and anticipate another in the fall with people voting by mail. But the benefit that we in pennsylvania and other states have is the states like colorado and washington as mentioned earlier, oregon, and even to a certain extent, california have been doing this work and its allowed to vote by mail robust systems for decades. So, we have the opportunity to learn bot from their mistakes ad best practices and with appropriate resources to import a lot of the systems theyve developed, the technology that theyve used the power that is necessary as well and tools needed, what their options are and the challenges if they dont receive a ballot on time which for many different variables cannot occur. Its enabling us to participate and solve the problems and if those provided. Not only for the state and local governments but also the Postal Service<\/a> which i will continue to fight for. I know we all will. You begin your Opening Statement<\/a> talking about some of the particular challenges of the communities of color or economically disadvantaged communities. Can you point out some of the difficulties in making sure folks have full access . The difficulties are both extended by the resources and the historical disconnect from that government officials and system that are meant to serve and protect the residents. We are fighting decades and generations as we are seeing across the country now we need to do more to better serve the communities of color and also it underscores the ballot box and its why this has been at the heart of my work and so many others recognizing its been mentioned in different ways there is no onesizefitsall approach to ensure each one is counted and heard. It takes everyone working together at the local and state level, other voices, trusted voices to educate voters about the rights and make sure they know the choices. It takes officials and administrators to meet the voters where they are at and also all of us fighting back against particularly [inaudible] about the rights and access now more than ever. All resources and everyone in the hearing committee, everyone in washington as a platform they can offer to dispel the myths and counter the efforts and facts about the realities we are doing and so i think that is why this is important for those resources. I think our time is up. Thank you very much. Our next question will be ms. Garcia. Thank you mr. Chairman and thank you to the Ranking Member<\/a>. The comments that you made opening up the hearing were not only thoughtful but another reminder of what has shaken our country to its core with the tragic death of george floyd. Im a person of faith. From an early age by family taught me that we are all gods children. Certainly george floyd wasnt treated as a child of god which he is. A color should determine the justice they deceived. Shouldnt permit access to the ballot box but you get. Recently the Texas Supreme Court<\/a> ruled that a voter fears contracting covid19, this doesnt qualify as a disability. It is confusing in the effort to those requesting a mailin ballot. Nevertheless, the decision also made it clear voters can apply for a mailin ballot if they believe they are at risk significantly. Mr. Chairman, the Supreme Court<\/a> issued its decision virtually, presumably from home or their offices because they considered the concern for their own wellbeing and for their own health. So, why should they hold the same standard for the wellbeing of all texas voters . This isnt a time for political gain. We shouldnt be misleading voters to choose the difficult and voting. April 2 i wrote a letter to the governor and secretary of state of texas urging them to implement all of the state of texas until the end of this year while preserving in person voting as long as the locations are structured to respond to Public Health<\/a> concerns. This is what many of us are saying. We are not trying to do away with in person voting we just want to ensure it is safe and healthy for everyone and everyone receives the option of voting by home. We are banking and shopping from home, ordering food from home, we are doing everything from home so frankly i think this sends that we also vote from home. And can vote during this pandemic without any excuse because of fear of the virus. You may remember i am from san antonio. We need to make sure there are minimum standards so it doesnt matter where you live related to the basic ability to cast a ballot in one thing that this has done is to check which states have the policies needed to make sure no voter is left behind i submitted that for the record i recommend you look at that one thing thats interesting about this conversation is that all of the dispute is whether or not we need to have basic minimum standards is one policy question that the other is if you want states and localities to play the role they want to play to make sure no voter is left behind then please give them funding they are asking for funding and telling congress they need more resources. Even if there is a debate there should be no debate among any member of the committee we are all better off the state and local Election Administrators<\/a> have the resources that they need at this point in the game them having the resources will automatically make elections better and we can do more if there are minimum standards but as a baseline im hoping i hear there is a commonality for wanting to support the lake one state and local Election Administrators<\/a> i hope the members of this committee do everything they can to make sure the state and local Election Administrators<\/a> give them the extra 4 million that they need. I do have questions but i will submit later for the record. I did mention it is admitted that thank you. You are next thank you so much mr. Chairman and to all of our panelist mr. Chairman thank you for opening our conversation today to acknowledge what is happening in the world around us right now. Thats why its so confusing to me as the controversy to make it easier for people to be safe and participate in their elections as a reminder the Global Pandemic<\/a> is taken over 100,000 american lives and counting and in my own county the numbers of deaths keep increasing every day. We know that people are not socially distancing they are putting themselves at risk. There are certain communities and people that are more vulnerable than others. The elderly are more vulnerable of people with Underlying Health<\/a> conditions. There is a third group thats more vulnerable and its very important we talk about it especially because of whats happening in the country right now. The third group is minority population latinos and africanamericans who were dying it disproportionately higher rates because they are more at risk but i would refer everyone about latino and africanamerican communities that are as vulnerable to covid19 those who live in assisted living facilities. That is how vulnerable we are. We have a fundamental obligation to provide for the hate health and safety and welfare of those who represent. My state of texas is notorious for creating obstacles for voters we rank right up there with Voter Suppression<\/a> we heard my colleague earlier mr. Armstrong talk about the great work his state is doing and using that as an example as i we should not federalize rules or regulation that explained to the public why we need the federal government to step in with resources and regulation. Thank you for that question. We need to make sure every single american is protected there is so much confusion out there and it makes no sense why it and texas why the category is so limited in the Supreme Court<\/a> could not give people clarity were to be prosecuted it made zero cents it is unfair and unamerican we should be sure every american has. And with the notarization unfair and unsafe and unamerican. I want to get to one more question before my time is up thank you for your response. You talked about the need to have a hybrid approach so that as many people as possible so that disabled to go in person can you describe to the American Public<\/a> why its important to take that approach . Thank you for raising this issue again in order to make the elections work for all voters we have to have a broad range of options there is no onesizefitsall neither in person voting or her vote by mail is accessible despite the fact there are several laws that protect that right we have to provide as much as possible if we dont and they cannot choose voting from their home which is privilege but if we dont also make the in person options available and accessible as possible because vote by mail does not work that they cannot cast their ballots so its crucial that we also have in person voting to the greatest extent possible to have a minimum of one machine and then also with the exposure of covid19. Inc. Is a much i yield back. Up next is ms. Jackson lee. Mr. Chairman think its a very much let me add my appreciation for the words of faith you offered at the beginning and thank you for mentioning the murder of our hometown son george floyd we in houston and the nation and appreciate your words let me acknowledge the Ranking Member<\/a> for expressing the importance of the systemic change occurring as well as the cultural change. Let me ask unanimous consent to place this headline on chronicle houston yesterday that they march in his name 13000 ask unanimous consent. Evidenced is the fact and the messages that came out of that people for change it comes through the power of voting thats why this hearing is so crucial to assess how we ensure in 2020 voting for all american americans. My friends are correct we have had disparate impact of covid19 across the nation and right here we have lost pastors and political activists and people you see every day who happened to be africanamerican. My first question is in light of the fact the president indicated he plans to File Lawsuits<\/a> against the state that had 1 million ballots and rules of inscriptions as they should to adhere to the democracy of the nation, what should congress put in place and how important is the restoration of section five of the Voting Rights<\/a> act . Thank you for that question. Obviously we believe it is of critical importance to voters all across this country and i do think its ironic on the one hand critics about congressional efforts to set bail at Safety Standards<\/a> during a pandemic are at the very same time threatening the authority to stop them from taking actions to facilitate safe and secure voting by mail theres nothing to fear from helping americans vote. And to assure that protection. To set those minimum standards should do its best to make sure those state efforts are not interfered with but to make one point clear even if congress was none of those we will see a Record Number<\/a> of ballots cast by mail in this election because the majority state allows for absentee voting is five times that the number. Thank you. Let me ask ms. Bishop i am in total support of expanding the opportunities of voters with disabilities. What i have seen violated is the rights of the voter to come to the pool with curbside voting i want to make sure that is never undermined and then safely with covid19 so help us understand how important that is and also a specific question on the voting we know the people impacted negatively happens to be africanamericans for many cultural reasons the ballot may come, they dont use it then they are punished so think how we have to protect minorities as it relates to voting if you would answer in particular the curbside voting i want to focus on. Curbside voting is largely misunderstood. It is a critical fact. Even outside of the context of a Global Pandemic<\/a>, we have not yet made American Polling<\/a> places accessible to those with disabilities the gao stat on study this in 2016 and in terms of architecture wide enough doorways, parking, less than half of americas polling places were except on accessible only 40 percent and that is the alltime high so thats almost half the best we have ever done so we have to fix that and until we can to allow people to vote curbside to make sure they can still cast their ballot so curbside voting is a critical measure and to be in the context of the pandemic itself to reduce your particular exposure. And so to address the same question. And the applications. And 30 percent. They have real applications and thats another problem and strongly and ballots election. And the expanded options. About to outreach the black people and educate them and those that are registered voters. We have to wrap up. Thank you. And for your words of comfort to the country. Im sorry about the loss of your constituents. This concludes todays hearing it has been diminished for years with the original sense that constitution and the access to voting by mail missouri and mississippi louisiana and all those that have slavery and to think my witnesses to get five legislative days for additional materials for the record and thank you to the republicans and for thece. Opprobrium of the obama foundation. Good afternoon my name is Michael Smith<\/a> that executive director of my brothers keeper. Thank you all for joining us for this critical and important conversation today. The killing of george floyd, breanna taylor, ahmad aubrey into many black lives in the list have left until after nation outreach. More than a thousand people are killed by Police Every Year<\/a> in america and black people are three times more likely to be killed than white people. We can take steps and make reforms to combat Police Violence<\/a> and systemic racism within law enforcement, we can work","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia601902.us.archive.org\/0\/items\/CSPAN2_20200604_081700_Hearing_on_Voting_Rights_During_Coronavirus_Pandemic\/CSPAN2_20200604_081700_Hearing_on_Voting_Rights_During_Coronavirus_Pandemic.thumbs\/CSPAN2_20200604_081700_Hearing_on_Voting_Rights_During_Coronavirus_Pandemic_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240716T12:35:10+00:00"}