Office of Rep. Derek Kilmer press release.
On Oct. 20, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) urged the Senate to move forward with the Freedom to Vote Act. The legislation is a sweeping package of reform bills aimed at strengthening the voice of the American people in their democracy by making it easier to vote, ending the dominance of big money in the political process, and ending partisan gerrymandering. Coupled with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, this historic legislation aims to ensure every American has the freedom to make their voice and vote heard in America.
The reform package includes the Honest Ads Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Kilmer to help prevent foreign interference in future elections and improve the transparency of online political advertisements. The bill would enable the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to enact disclosure rules for online political advertisements similar to those in place for television, radio, and satellite ads, with the goal of making clear to the American public who is funding these online ads and to inhibit foreign actors from purchasing them. The Honest Ads Act has passed the House in the 116th and 117th sessions of Congress as part of H.R. 1 – theFor the People Act.
“I am a believer in people-powered democracy. Together, the American people have ended wars, strengthened civil rights protections for people who have been disrespected and disenfranchised, improved access to clean air and water, and made other important progress. But that progress requires ensuring that the people can have their voices heard and their votes counted,” said Rep. Kilmer. “That’s why Congress should take action to make it easier for eligible voters to vote and should combat voter suppression. That’s why Congress should reduce the role of big money in politics. And, that’s why Congress should ensure that voters choose their elected officials rather than elected officials choosing their voters. These are key elements of the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Senate should pass it. I’ll keep working to get our government working better for the American people.”
Core components of the Freedom to Vote Act include:
- Expanding automatic voter registration and same-day registration.
- Strengthening vote by mail, early voting and ballot access.
- Establishing Election Day as a national holiday.
- Stopping partisan election subversion.
- Protecting elections from foreign interference.
- Ending partisan gerrymandering.
- Promoting digital ad transparency.
- Forcing disclosure of dark money.
- Establishing a self-sustaining democracy fund to support investments in state-led innovations around campaign finance, civic education, and strengthening voting infrastructure.
Gary Duggins says
This bill is an attempt of the federal government to take control away from the states and make it easier for illegals to vote as well as for ballot harvesting. This bill is not Constitutional and should not be approved, it is pandering to the Democratic Party, which practices illegal ballot harvesting as well as multiple ballots by one person. It would eliminate any accountability or identification of a voter or that persons eligibility to vote.
Margo says
I recommend most everyone vote at their own precinct using precinct’s voting machines and get rid of all Dominion voting software at ballot boxes. Get rid of voting by mail and use it only for home-bound individuals. Then, and only then will be fair elections.
Kellie A says
Spot on Mr. Duggins!