Robin Carnahan: “discussions about the state of our democracy too often focus on what is wrong with our political system. Experts bemoan…”

“discussions about the state of our democracy too often focus on what is wrong with our political system. Experts bemoan low turnout; they say young people are turned off by politics; they say grassroots campaigns no longer can work in the age of 30-second television ads. But Americans cherish their democracy. Political participation allows us to express our deepest held beliefs. When we fight for something we believe in we are true participants in our democracy. I know this is true because I saw it myself. Missourians during the last election, even in the face of grief, went to the polls to make their will known. The 2000 election, however, revealed a number of flaws in our electoral machinery. Far too many Americans were being disenfranchised without their knowledge. Too many voters left the polling places in confusion; too often registration lists had not been properly maintained. The promise of American democracy is that everyone has the right to vote without regard to their individual circumstance. It is our job to make that promise a reality. The Constitution calls for a decentralized system that puts states in charge of elections. But since States hold elections for Federal offices, it is appropriate for the Federal Government to encourage and empower States to improve the voting process. I believe this bill does just that and I am pleased to support it.”