NAACP-Supported Legislation to end intimidating & deceptive practices in federal elections passes Senate Committee

A new bill aimed at eliminating false or misleading information and correcting it in time for full voter participation is now poised for full Senate consideration.

Senators Obama (IL), Schumer (NY) and others have introduced S. 453, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act. This bill, which has already passed the House by a unanimous vote, was approved of by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, September 6, 2007, and is now ready for consideration by the full US Senate. This bill seeks to address the real harm of these crimes – people who are prevented from voting by misinformation – by establishing a process for reaching out to misinformed voters with accurate information so they can cast their votes in time. The bill also makes voter intimidation and deception punishable by law, and it contains strong penalties so that people who commit these crimes suffer more than just a slap on the wrist. Click here for action steps we can take!