Political Quotes

“The Senator from Kentucky has accurately described the intent and effect of this provision. I would also add, as I am sure the Senator from Kentucky recalls, we learned that many jurisdictions in this country have experienced continual confusion over citizenship questions on registration forms. Some jurisdictions simply discard registration applications or do not process the application when an individual does not answer the citizenship question. Other jurisdictions register individuals even though the individual did not answer the citizenship question. Both of these scenarios threaten the integrity of Federal elections. By requiring that incomplete registration cards be returned to applicants, we help ensure that those who innocently overlooked part of the registration form will be provided a second opportunity to complete it. As previously stated, Congress has a compelling interest in protecting the integrity of the Federal election process. The conferees on H.R. 3295 believe that through this additional instruction about the citizenship question, both voter registration applicants and elections officials will take the appropriate actions to ensure those who are entitled to register are actually registered. Through this clarification and requirement that individuals affirmatively declare their U.S. citizenship, we help ensure that only eligible voters vote in Federal elections.”