Thank you for STANDING UP to those states who kept voters standing in line for hours and hours. I could not believe that such a "third world" scenario would happen in America. There is NO excuse for that--they know how many registered voters they have, and they should be prepared! The government of Florida seems to march to a different drummer--every single national election they do their best to screw it up!!! It's just shameful. Put them in their place!
Catherine, Scotts Valley
Three or 100 cheers for you, Senator Boxer. I used to be in charge of the polling station at my local poll in San Bernardino and I feel very strongly about the need to facilitate the act of voting for each and every registered voter. It would be interesting, I think, to compare the final results of the election in each of the polls where the voters were delayed so long. And some kind of recognition ought to go to those voters who were dedicated enough to stick it out, especially those who waited around until the next morning where necessary. And since the right to vote is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution regardless of the offices to be filled by the election, I think it is the obligation of the Federal Government to protect that right even when no federal offices are being voted upon. Thanks for your help!
Jane, Banning
I was a volunteer lawyer with President Obama's Victory Campaign/Election Protection group and spent 8 days in Broward County Florida protecting the vote. I personally witnessed the tenacity and determination of thousands of Floridians waiting on line for hours every day to cast their vote. Each day I would arrive at the polling place around 7 a.m. and the line was already extending down the block. Each subsequent day of early voting the line grew longer and more people came out to vote at our polling place. We had people return on multiple days because after waiting 2-3 hours before they could vote, they had to leave to go to work. We had multiple people in their 90s waiting for hours to vote, as well as people who were disabled or pregnant. I saw a man with Stage 4 cancer waiting for hours. We had many voters bring their small children and babies with them to vote. I observed these young ones trying to be as "good" and patient as little children who are tired, bored and hungry can be while waiting for hours. I also saw the fatigue, stress and concern on their parents' faces, as they tried to avoid a "meltdown" long enough to reach the front of the line and finally cast their ballots. Thank you Senator Boxer for sponsoring this much needed legislation. I believe in and support your effort to fix the system and establish minimum voting standards for all. I witnessed first-hand that long voting lines is a form of "poll tax" borne very heavily by working people, the elderly, the disabled, the poor, and people of color. Your proposed legislation is an excellent first step to fighting back against the impact of voter suppression efforts. It is a very significant piece of legislation for maintaining our democracy.
Schweizer, Deborah, San Francisco
LINE Act
Thank you for the LINE Act to protect the voting rights of people in states that punished those citizens who wanted to do their duty so much that they had to wait hours to vote. I'm so glad you're our senator!
Garcia-Sims, Angela, Coronado
voting rights
Thank you for your message advising you are looking into lines at polling places - I was appalled to learn in the news that some people had to wait all day in order to vote. I totally agree that is tantamount to denying voting rights, and is totally unacceptable.
Linder, Patty, San Jose
long voting lines
Daer Senator Boxer Thank you for being there for us as you have been for many years. I realize that there are people without addresses and others who may be moving that cannot have a mailed ballot. But for others, why can't we REALLY PUSH having them use mailed ballots. I've been dong it for a few years now. Some might like to socialize with neighbors so they're willing to stay in line. My neighbors are mostly ultra conservative Republicans---they're always angry. I don't miss them one little bit. Another plus---one c an take thier tim eto read the pros and co ns and the resumes of the candidates. It's a perfecxt solution for me.
Parsons, Suzanne, San Diego
Long Voter Lines
Dear Senator Boxer, I greatly appreciate you takling the issue of long voter lines. I volunteered for Elelction Protection in San Francisco this year and was shocked to hear some of the stories from callers regarding voting problems around the country. The problem is only going to get worse when voter ID laws come into play. Thank you so much!
Deborah Holley, Mill Valley
LINE Act
Senator Boxer, Thank you so much for crafting LINE ACT legislation to protect our fundamental right to vote. As a veteran of the US Army, one of my chief motivations for serving was knowing that it was in defense of our basic freedom to vote. I am outraged that we had so many fellow Americans that were disenfranchised during the 2012 election. We cannot deny our citizens the right to vote due to poor planning and execution of the election process. We are the world's leader in promoting democracy around the globe--yet our own federal states fail to properly plan and execute an election. How can we expect other countries to follow our example when we have states that fail in their fundamental duty to execution a fair and judicious election--one I might add that is planned for years in advanced? I commend your action in protecting our fundamental right to vote and am thankful to have you as my representative!
Sean, Oakland
Yes! Thank you for bringing up the subject now. It waited 4 years from the last two elections and it should not wait longer.
Kathie, Cazadero
