LANGEVIN APPLAUDS RHODE ISLAND’S NEW ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION LAW

WARWICK, R.I. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) praised Governor Gina Raimondo, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and the Rhode Island General Assembly today on the signing of legislation that will allow Rhode Islanders to register to vote or update their voter information online.

“Voter participation is the cornerstone of our democracy, and the easier we make it for people to exercise their right to vote, the greater the participation and, in turn, the stronger our democracy. I commend Governor Raimondo and Secretary of State Gorbea on their continued efforts to modernize our voting system, and I applaud Senator Gayle Goldin and State Representative Aaron Regunberg, in particular, for introducing this important legislation. I am particularly pleased to see that the law includes language to require compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that people with disabilities can access this online resource. When I served as Secretary of State, I made it my mission to reform Rhode Island’s outdated election system. I am proud that Secretary Gorbea has continued that tradition, and I am so impressed by her dedication to making it easier for all Rhode Islanders to engage in the democratic process.

“We have come a long way, but too many people continue to be shut out of the political process. Congress must restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act, sending a clear message that every voice in America matters, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. At the state level, we must never stop looking for new ways to engage and register voters, and to update our electoral process so that we effectively incorporate new technology.

“Congratulations to all of the stakeholders in Rhode Island who made this possible. I hope that online registration will draw in a new wave of voters, and will put Rhode Island at the forefront of voter participation across the nation.”