Gallego Statement on Opposition to H.R. 8281
Gallego Reiterates Support for Only U.S. Citizens Voting But Opposes Extremist Bill to Limit Voting Access for Thousands of Arizonans
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) released a statement following his vote against H.R. 8281.
“Of course only U.S. citizens should vote,” said Rep. Gallego. “But this bill isn’t about that, it’s about making it harder for Arizonans to vote, including married women, servicemembers, Native Arizonans, seniors, and people with disabilities. This extreme bill’s only purpose is to disenfranchise tens of thousands of Arizonans, and I will not vote to take away the rights of Arizonans to stop something that is already illegal.”
If allowed to become law, H.R. 8281 would require anyone registering to vote in federal elections to provide, in person, an approved form of photo ID. This bill would make it harder to vote for:
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Servicemembers stationed overseas or in another state who would be forced to take leave and travel home to register.
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Married women if the last name on their driver’s license or ID does not match the last name on their birth certificate.
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College students, recent graduates, or anyone who recently moved who would have to go to an election office in person with all the correct paperwork to register.
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Native Arizonans who only have a tribal ID or driver’s license that would not qualify as an approved ID under this legislation. Additionally, many tribal members live on tribal land hours away from the nearest election office.
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Elderly Arizonans or Arizonans with disabilities who can’t get to an election office in person or can’t gather all the required documentation.
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Many others.