April 7, 2004

Statement of Governor Haley Barbour Regarding HAVA

“I have signed Senate Bill 2857 because it protects our state from a potential federal lawsuit over failure to implement the Help America Vote Act. I share the goal of the proponents of SB 2857, which is to help ensure fair and honest elections. However, nothing is more important for fair and honest elections in Mississippi than the enactment of a comprehensive Voter ID law.

Even if the Secretary of State uses the rule-making authority granted him by this law, less than 1% of registered voters would be affected. We need 100% Voter ID in Mississippi.

Mississippians want comprehensive Voter ID, the Senate has passed comprehensive Voter ID, and the House should have an up or down vote on comprehensive Voter ID this Session.

This is an issue, which should not be lost to misinformation, scare tactics, or partisan politics. Requiring Voter ID does not represent intimidation; it represents integrity.

Along with the rest of Mississippi, I call on the House of Representatives to do the right thing and pass comprehensive Voter ID.”

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