NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK’S STATEMENT REGARDING PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON ELECTION INTEGRITY

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May 12, 2017

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK’S STATEMENT REGARDING PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON ELECTION INTEGRITY

Washington, DC – President Trump signed an executive order to establish a Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity.

This commission was formed as an attempt to construct legitimacy around baseless claims of illegal voting and to pursue destroying the fundamental foundation of democracy. This attempt disguised as an effort to eradicate voter fraud will lead to voter suppression efforts specifically in marginalized/communities of color where too many face unnecessary barriers.

Numerous “studies” have shown that voter fraud has been found to be minuscule. Adding Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach as vice-chair of the commission, someone who has a history of fueling fear of illegal voting without evidence further sends a red flag. To have the Department of Justice address the commission’s findings coupled with Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ long record of hostility towards equal voting rights damages our democracy.

This Administration should focus increasing participation by pursuing greater access to the polls which includes modernizing voter equipment, and voter registration procedures.

National Action Network (NAN) will continue to monitor any efforts to suppress the voting participation of minority voters by this commission or any entity on a local, state and federal level.