The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Condemns Iowa Voter ID Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 13, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law issued the following statement following the Iowa Legislature passing a bill requiring identification at the polls, and reduction of early voting prior to a general election, from 40 days to 29 days:

“Restrictive voter ID laws are nothing more than concerted efforts to disenfranchise voters,” said Kristen Clarke, president executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Claims that this restrictive measure is needed to prevent fraud are baseless and unsubstantiated.  Iowa should reverse course and adopt inclusive measures that actually expand access to our democracy.”

About the Lawyers’ Committee:

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Formed over 50 years ago, we continue our quest of “Moving America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice under law, particularly in the areas of fair housing and community development; employment; voting; education; environmental justice; and criminal justice.  For more information about the Lawyers’ Committee, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.