Statement by DNC Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation Donna Brazile
“The Democratic Party applauds Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s decision to restore the voting rights of over 200,000 citizens. Terry and I first started working on voting rights together when he was the DNC Chair, and he helped established the Voting Rights Institute. Democrats across the nation believe the right to vote is our most fundamental right – it is the right that protects and preserves all of our other rights and freedoms. Democrats also know that we solve our nation’s problems with more democracy, not less.
“The contrast between our two national parties has never been more stark than on the issue of our democracy. Sadly, restricting access to the ballot box has become the political strategy for the Republican Party. We have witnessed Republican-led legislatures in Arizona, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin and elsewhere make it harder to vote by eliminating same-day registration, reducing early voting, eliminating polling locations, and imposing strict Photo ID laws. Democrats, however, are actively fighting to the expanding expand voter access in states like Virginia, California, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Vermont and everywhere in between. We are fighting in state houses to pass automatic registration, implement online voter registration, expand early voting and same-day registration. Democrats in Congress are working to restore the full strength of the Voting Rights Act.
“When long lines form or citizens are unable to overcome election burdens, Republicans blame the problem on ‘too many voters’ and celebrate those burdens as a key to their general election victory. Meanwhile, New York Democrats are holding people accountable and actively seeking answers. Because Republicans don’t hold themselves accountable for election failures, the Democratic National Committee and its partners are doing so for them by filing suit in Arizona to reverse the culture of discrimination and disenfranchisement.
“Today’s action is a reminder that elections matter. Our nation and our democracy are stronger and healthier when we elect Democrats up and down the ticket.”
