WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) responded with the following statement after the President announced the creation of a new commission on “election integrity.”

U.S. Senator Cardin: “Casting a vote is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy. Instead of focusing on the myth of voter fraud, the President should be looking at ways to make it easier for eligible Americans to vote, given how difficult it is for some individuals to vote in this country.  The President of the United States should be leading an effort to remove barriers and make it easier for more people to register to vote, cast their vote, and make sure their votes are counted. This new Commission, co-chaired by Kris Kobach who is a zealous advocate of voter suppression, instead, undoubtedly will target certain groups of Americans, including African Americans and Latinos, and make it harder for them to vote.  We must staunchly reject any and all efforts to make it harder for any American to exercise the right to vote.”