Governor Quinn Statement on Passage of Amendment to Prohibit Voter Discrimination

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the Illinois House and Senate's passage of a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit voter discrimination in Illinois.

The bill is House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 52. It will appear on the ballot in November to be approved by Illinois voters.

"The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. No voter should have to face the suppression tactics that we see in other states across the nation.

"I commend Speaker Madigan and Senator Raoul for sponsoring this important amendment and congratulate the Illinois House and Senate for its nearly unanimous passage.

"I encourage everyone to support this amendment to our constitution that will protect our democracy."

The proposed amendment states that "No person shall be denied the right to register to vote or to cast a ballot in an election based on race, color, ethnicity, status as a member of a language minority, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or income."