Voting Rights
My personal experiences in Florida in recent elections testify to a simple fact: Voter suppression remains a serious threat to civil rights in 21st Century America. Marathon voting lines for low-income and minority groups, reduced early voting hours, voters purges, and voter registration restrictions, remain endemic. While our nation has made progress since the passage of the Voting Rights Act, voter discrimination remains a reality.
As a result of voters in Florida having to contend with long lines and long wait times to cast their vote on Election Day 2012, I formally requested a review by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
To read the study, please visit this link: https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-850
More on Voting Rights
Members of Florida's Congressional delegation called on Gov. Ron DeSantis to further extend a voter registration deadline to midnight Wednesday after heavy traffic crashed the state's online enrollment system Monday, potentially preventing thousands of would-be voters from signing up to cast ballots in next month's presidential election.
Wilson Joins House Democrats in Passing Historic Voting Rights,
Anti-Corruption and Ethics Reforms
H.R. 1, the For the People Act, Will Clean Up Corruption in Washington,
Protect and Expand the Right to Vote and Restore Ethics and Integrity to Government
Congresswoman Wilson this week introduced the Vote from Home America Act (H.R. 7118). The legislation calls for states to send an absentee ballot with a pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope to every registered voter for this year's upcoming federal elections. Co-sponsors include Representatives David Cicilline (RI-1) and Mark Takano (CA-41).
Congresswoman Wilson issued the following statement in response to opposition by Gov. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio to election recounts:
"I am profoundly disappointed by the efforts of Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio to silence the voices of voters in our state. Rather than allow a fair process and pushing for every vote to be counted, they are making reckless and unfounded claims that Democrats are trying to steal the election.
"Who stole their integrity?
Your Honors:
I am writing to express my deep concerns about the redistricting map known as CP-1. It is my humble hope that during your deliberations you will take into consideration the economic and psychological damage its implementation could have on congressional District 24.
Your Honors:
I am writing to humbly beseech the wisdom of the Florida Supreme Court concerning the redistricting of Florida's congressional districts and express the grave implications of the lower court's ruling of October 9, 2015. I harbor deep concerns regarding the redistricting process and the legal proceedings that have resulted.
Before the last census, District 24 was District 17, and classified in the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index as the "most suffering" congressional district in the nation in the category of life evaluation, or how people described their quality of life, and the third most miserable district overall. This annual survey also assesses healthy behavior, work environment, and access to health services.
Today we commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an American hero whose voice, vision, and legacy of leadership continue to influence the course of American history. Dr. King on occasion sacrificed his freedom and ultimately his life to ensure that all Americans are treated equally, and given the opportunity to participate fully in society and realize their dreams.
MIAMI - Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement today in recognition of Black History Month:
"As we recognize and honor the accomplishments of the African-American community and celebrate its rich history during Black History Month, let us also reflect on the long road and hard fought battles to obtain racial equality.
Miami, FL - Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) introduced a resolution honoring the life of Trayvon Martin, urging the repeal of Stand Your Ground laws, and calling on the United States government to address the racial profiling crisis. Congresswoman Wilson released the following statement:
"Today, Trayvon Martin would have celebrated his 20th birthday.
"On February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, an African-American youth, was horrifically shot and killed while walking home in Sanford, Florida, because he was viewed as a threat.