Senator Boxer and Clinton introduce "Count Every Vote Act" of 2005

Senator Barbara Boxer is at it again, this time co-sponsoring a bill with Hillary Clinton entitled the "Count Every Vote Act" of 2005. This bill is exactly what we need to solve the inadequacies of our electoral process - As well all know, the election results of 2000 and 2004 were both clouded by controversy. Initial coverage of this new bill, including discussions on Slashdot and Daily Kos does not sound very optimistic.

Maybe I'm being a little naive, but I was encouraged by the announcement of this bill. This is how we have to frame the issue - How can anybody possibly oppose this bill? Who doesn't want to encourage everyone to have the right to vote?

Some of the key issues addressed by the bill:

• "the source and object code of all electronic voting machines to be open and readable by the public."
• "Paper records of electronic voting"
• "Election-day registration"
• "Election Day as a national holiday."
• "Restoration of voting rights for former felons"
• "Minimum required voting systems, poll workers, and election resources"
• "Impartial Administration of Elections"
  

We need to make noise on this issue. Contact your local representatives and let them know that you support this bill.

Further discussion can be found on Common Dreams and the Miami Herald (subscription required).