Auditor General DePasquale Applauds Focus on Voting Rights, Election Security in New U.S. House Reform Package
Auditor General DePasquale Applauds Focus on Voting Rights, Election Security in New U.S. House Reform Package
HARRISBURG (Jan. 4, 2019) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today issued the following statement on a voting reform package offered by the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington:
“After years of deliberate inaction, it’s time that Congress took a serious look at election cybersecurity, voting rights, campaign financing and myriad other issues addressed by H.R. 1. We must uphold the integrity of our elections and this is a very good place to start.
“In November, American voters said they were tired of the status quo and wanted change. The ‘For the People’ Act would deliver on that change by making it easier for people to vote and harder for politicians to rig elections through partisan gerrymandering.
“In addition to creating automatic and same-day voter registration, the reform package would allow nationwide early voting to make participating in our democracy as easy as it is in other countries. It would also provide for campaign finance reforms to add transparency and curb foreign influence.
“Last June, I launched an audit of our state’s voter registration system following reports that the Russians tried to hack voting systems in 21 states – including Pennsylvania – during the 2016 election. H.R. 1 would give states new tools and funding to enhance election security, as well as requiring states to replace paperless voting machines – which Pennsylvania is already working to do.
“As my audit continues, I welcome this new proposal and hope to see these measures become law. When more people are able to vote, our government better reflects the will of the majority – which is what democracy is all about.”
Learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.paauditor.gov.
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