The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections today held a joint hearing on the state of “Federal, State and Local Efforts to Prepare for the 2008 Election,” co-chaired by Reps. John Conyers and Zoe Lofgren.

As this November election quickly approaches, many legislators still have grave concerns about our national readiness to protect the voting rights of Americans.  From the ballot tricks of Mississippi Republicans to the voter caging in Michigan and beyond, there are still many challenges to Americans’ freedom to exercise their right to vote.

“It’s a regrettable testament to the inaction of our Department of Justice that we are still exploring these critical Voting Rights issues in September before a major election,” stated Rep. Nadler, “but here we are again.  The Department of Justice and the Attorney General have done far too little to investigate problems and establish oversight in areas of the country where severe violations are occurring – or are likely to occur this November.  This is not a marginal or obscure issue to be taken lightly.  The right to vote goes to the heart of our Democracy and we must do everything in our power to ensure that all eligible voters are enfranchised and unhindered.

“The Department of Justice has clearly failed to live up to its responsibilities and, as a result, countless voters – a majority of them non-white, elderly, low income, or individuals with limited English language proficiency – are being denied their rightful voice in our elections.  We must demand that the responsible agencies devise clear and effective plans for ensuring that the 2008 election is free, fair, and that the votes of all eligible voters are counted.”