ACLU Comment on House Vote of the Electoral Count Act

September 21, 2022 4:30 pm

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WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives voted 229-203 to pass legislation to reform and modernize the Electoral Count Act, a federal law outlining the procedures for the counting of electoral votes following a presidential election.

The following comment is from Ben Needham, deputy political director of the American Civil Liberties Union:

“The Senate should closely and carefully review the proposal passed by members of the House of Representatives to reform the Electoral Count Act. Every American should be confident that the outcome of elections will be honored following a presidential election. It is imperative Americans have confidence in our democratic process, especially after the insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

“But make no mistake: Modernization of the Electoral Count Act is not the only reform needed to save our democracy. Voter suppression efforts and unequal representation were widespread before the Jan. 6 insurrection and still continue to exist. Senators must also come together to pass comprehensive federal voting rights legislation. Updating the Electoral Count Act is a necessary first step towards repairing our democracy.”

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