Political Quotes

“They were. Those DMV offices, as the gentleman from New York so aptly recited, were mostly located in heavily African American parts of the State of Alabama, but they were also predominantly rural parts of the State of Alabama. Those same areas have a hard time having transportation, public transportation, to get around in those areas. They said, of course, that the reason why they were closing down these DMV offices had nothing to do with voting, of course, but had to do with the fact that there were serious budgetary restraints. Obviously, one of the consequences of the closures of those DMV offices was to limit access to those people getting photo IDs, the most popular form of photo ID, which is a driver's license, and, therefore, limiting their ability to go vote. I did speak with our Governor, and he did open up those DMV offices on a limited basis, but only on a limited basis. And I say to you that it is unacceptable in America to have any limitations on the right to vote. I really ask all of my colleagues, especially those who have come to Selma over the years with John Lewis on these pilgrimages, to really search deep in their hearts. If they are really about access to the ballot box and being able to make sure that all Americans have an opportunity to exercise this fundamental right, then why would we not make it easier for people to vote?…”