In 60 Seconds: H.R. 1 and Election Integrity

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Voting is a fundamental privilege of every American over the age of 18. Today, elections enable all citizens to make their voices heard at every level of government.

Unfortunately, the so-called “For the People Act,” or H.R. 1, threatens this privilege and undermines election security. Rather than empowering citizens, H.R.1 disenfranchises them.

Here’s the issue of election integrity in 60 seconds:

What’s at Stake

Voting is a fundamental privilege of every American over the age of 18. Today, elections
enable all citizens to make their voices heard at every level of government.

Unfortunately, the so-called “For the People Act,” or H.R. 1, threatens this privilege and
undermines election security. Rather than empowering citizens, H.R. 1 dilutes the power
of your vote.

H.R. 1 radically alters the way in which American elections are conducted. H.R. 1
undermines basic security measures, inviting fraud that may cancel out your vote.
Among other things, H.R. 1 nullifies state laws that require voter identification,
mandates automatic and same-day voter registration, and overrides state laws that
restrict the ability of individuals or groups to collect and submit large numbers of
ballots (i.e., ballot “harvesting”). It also prohibits states from enacting measures aimed
at removing from their registration rolls the names of people who are deceased or who
have moved out of the jurisdiction.

The Way Forward

To ensure that every citizen has an equal voice in politics, election procedures must
make voting both accessible and secure. The failure to ensure election integrity has
the potential to cancel out ballots, including those cast by black citizens who have
consistently turned out at high rates in recent elections compared to other racial and
ethnic groups.

We need to strengthen laws that protect voters, not get rid of them. We should make
voting as secure as other civic practices, such as accessing government buildings,
transportation systems, and education facilities. If we need identification (ID) to drive a
car, check out a library book, open a checking account, or purchase alcohol, it is even
more important that the person voting as you has to prove they are you before they vote.

Prohibiting voter ID requirements makes no sense and threatens our democracy.

Addressing Misperceptions