Kerry among Senators backing Oregon Senators' bills to make mail in voting easier nationwide

“The Oregon experience has shown that vote-by-mail has been a clear winner with consistently high voter participation, costs that are 30 percent less than elections using traditional polling places and virtually none of the fraud that critics predicted,” said Wyden, a Portland Democrat up for re-election this year. “Now it is time to give other states the opportunity to duplicate Oregon’s success and reap the same benefits.”

Senators introducing the new legislation – all Democrats – were John Kerry of Massachussetts, Thomas Carper of Delaware, Maria Cantwell of Washington and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.

“Oregon has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country and that’s in large part due to our vote-by-mail system,” said Merkley. “Enhancing absentee voting will assist countless Americans who don’t vote because they can’t make it to the ballot box.”

“We need more participation in our democracy, not less,” said Senator Kerry. “This bill breaks down needless barriers, making it easier for all Americans to exercise their fundamental right to a voice and a vote.”