After two long days of traipsing about Capitol Hill in Washington DC, intrepid citizen lobbyists were delighted to learn that their efforts have netted nine new co-sponsors on the "gold standard" of voter-verified paper ballot legislation, H.R. 550.
The "Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act" introduced by Rush Holt of NJ, now has 177 bi-partisan co-sponsors. Thanks go out to those at home who wrote and called and signed petitions as well. This lobbying effort was organized by the
I Count Coalition. Those who were unable to travel to Washington DC can visit their Representatives in the home district -- the Easter recess begins now.
The new co-sponsors on the Dem side include: Maxine Waters, Ben Chandler, Stephen Lynch, Nancy Pelosi, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Tim Holden. Three new Republican co-sponsors: James Leach, John Shimkus and Ray LaHood. (Who says this is a partisan thing?)
While we're seeking to get this passed, don't forget to check your state's current status. 27 states have passed a voter-verified paper record requirement. But Pennsylvania, which has a great pair of bills pending, has yet to move this forward... Maryland is struggling with this -- bill held over until Monday!... Tennessee...