Committee Democrats Highlight Damaging Republican Election Policy during Hearing on Ballot Counting Process

WASHINGTON - Today, during the House Administration Committee's hearing on California election administration and ballot counting process, committee Democrats blasted proposed Republican election policy, like the House-passed SAVE Act and the President's anti-voter executive order while calling for thoughtful and legitimate oversight of federal elections.

Ranking Member Morelle (NY-25) called out Committee Republican's denial of a minority witness - Executive Director of the Secure Families Initiative and military spouse Sarah Streyder - to testify remotely for today's proceeding. 

"Sarah wanted to speak to this Committee about how we can better serve military and overseas voters. But because Sarah is nearing the third trimester of her pregnancy, transatlantic travel presented a significant barrier for her attendance today. The Republican majority denied our request for Sarah to testify remotely - something we have the technology to facilitate," continued Ranking Member Morelle. "So, because Sarah is a pregnant military spouse with travel limitations, Republicans blocked her ability to testify. It is not lost on us that - if the Republican SAVE Act were law today - Sarah would also be unable to register to vote." 

The Ranking Member also asked minority witness, Rebecca Nowatchik, about postal service delays as it relates to ballots being returned from military servicemembers overseas. Ms. Nowatchik highlighted election policies like allowing ballots postmarked by election day to be counted seven days after election day being helpful to ensure the counting of every eligible Americans ballot.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) highlighted the fact that it should be easier to vote, not harder to vote. In Rep. Sewell's home state of Alabama alternative voting methods such as absentee ballots are extremely restricted. Rep. Sewell also entered into the record the letter Committee Democrats sent to Chairman Steil asking for Ms. Streyder to testify remotely.

Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) underlined that California is home to the largest election tabulation center in the United States, and when the Chair of the committee visited the LA County tabulation center last November, there were zero problems to be found. Republicans simply do not like the outcomes of California elections.

Watch the full committee hearing here.

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