Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright was appointed to serve on the Democratic Outreach and Engagement Task Force by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn.
The Task Force, which will be chaired by Clyburn, will drive new efforts to increase voter participation in the political process.
In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. As a result of the invalidation, certain state and local governments no longer need federal preclearance to change voting laws or practices, undermining the voting rights of minorities, senior citizens, students, and the disabled.
“There is no more fundamental right in our nation than the right to vote. Voting rights are essential to who we are as Americans and to the strength of our democracy,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Five decades after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate Section 5 ensures that many Americans are once again in danger of being disenfranchised by voter ID laws and the changing of polling places on Election Day that make it harder for some citizens to vote.”
Rep. Cartwright continued, “I am honored to have been asked to serve on the Democratic Outreach and Engagement Task Force by Assistant Leader Clyburn, a true civil rights pioneer. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Task Force in hopes of inspiring Americans from all walks of life to become more engaged.”
“Congressman Matt Cartwright is an energetic champion for his constituents who knows that the ballot is the bedrock of our democracy,” Leader Pelosi said. “Congressman Cartwright’s experience and commitment to ensuring that voters are engaged and empowered makes him an ideal choice to serve on our Democratic Outreach & Engagement Task Force.”
“By laying out the high stakes and momentous impact of the political process, using the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the ‘1965 Voting Rights Act’ as a compelling example of the importance of civic engagement, we hope to inspire Americans from all walks of life to become more engaged. We also hope they will come to realize and appreciate how Democratic policies would improve their families’ lives and their children’s futures,” said Assistant Leader Clyburn.
Other members on the Task Force include the following Representatives: Brendan Boyle, Andre Carson, Hakeem Jeffries, Barbara Lee, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Grace Meng, Cedric Richmond, and Lucille Roybal-Allard.
Rep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties. Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Press Release Provided
| January 21, 2015 | |
| Contact: Shane Seaver | |
| 202-225-5546 | |
