Congressman G-K Butterfield has introduced an amendment to the Democrats’ sweeping elections reform bill – For the People Act – which would increase access to early voting sites in rural communities.
To increase access to the ballot box, the legislation would require states to place early voting sites within walking distance of public transportation stops. Butterfield’s amendment aims to ensure early voting sites are also easily accessible to residents in rural communities.
"In many rural communities...like the ones that I represent in Eastern North Carolina, there is no public transportation in many of those communities, polling locations in these communities need to be located where these voters will have the best chance to let their voices be heard in our elections," said Democratic Rep. G.K. Butterfield, who represents the state's 1st Congressional District.
The For the People Act seeks to restore public trust in government through campaign finance and ethics reforms. The bill is expected to pass the Democratic-majority House on Friday.