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Pelosi Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Block Ohio Early Voting

September 30, 2014

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the 5 to 4 U.S. Supreme Court decision to block early voting in Ohio, which was scheduled to begin today:

"Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy or more essential to our future than ensuring the voices of all Americans are heard in our elections. Early voting is an indispensable resource for many citizens – especially people facing disadvantages – who may be unable to make it to the polls on Election Tuesday.

"We must be blunt: efforts to restrict early voting have no objective but to deny vulnerable communities the opportunity to be heard in our elections. There can be no mistaking the significance of the court's decision during ‘Golden Week,' the six-day period when it is possible to register and vote on the same day. The Supreme Court's decision helps partisan special interests disenfranchise struggling families and hard-working Ohioans.

"History does not look kindly on those who have worked to raise barriers to the ballot box. But, since 2010, voting restrictions have been enacted in 22 states across the country. Congress and the courts should act to expand access to voting, not reduce it. In the aftermath of this extremely disappointing decision from the Supreme Court, we must bring renewed determination to passing the revised, strengthened, and bipartisan Voting Rights Amendments Act – and to making the voices of all Americans heard."

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Issues:Human Rights