Georgia Senator Max Cleland, a former Secretary of State himself, has also introduced the Make Every Vote Count Act in the U.S. Senate. 

 “The 2000 elections illustrated serious problems in the way our nation conducts its elections,” said Congressman Langevin.  “As a former Secretary of State and chief architect of a statewide plan to modernize Rhode Island’s voting system, I know the many challenges that lie ahead in the proposed modernization effort.  The Make Every Vote Count Act would provide states with the resources they need to bring their voting systems into the 21st century.”

 The Make Every Vote Count Act creates a $1 billion federal grant program for  states to replace antiquated punch card, lever or paper ballot voting equipment.  States would use the federal funds to implement a single, advanced system of their choice to bolster the accuracy and fairness of all ballots cast.

 In addition to purchasing advanced voting equipment, this bill also permits grant funds to be used for poll worker training. 

 Finally, the Make Every Vote Count Act seeks to ensure that our military men and women serving overseas are extended the same constitutional voting right of Americans residing in the U.S.  Under the bill, service people would be permitted to vote by absentee ballot in their last state of residence in all federal, state, and local elections.

 “We must not allow the opportunity to improve our national election system pass us by,” added Langevin.  “I am hopeful that Congress will recognize the importance of reforming antiquated voting systems and address this issue that affects every American.  All law abiding Americans, including our men and women in uniform, should have the most accurate and effective means possible to exercise their constitutionally granted right to vote.”

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