IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 797 
Recognizing the importance of implementing any and all measures necessary 
to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for the 
2004 Presidential election. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 
Ms. EDDIE
BERNICE
JOHNSON
of Texas (for herself, Ms. LEE, Mr. 
CUMMINGS, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. OWENS, and Mr. LAN-
TOS) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Com-
mittee on House Administration 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the importance of implementing any and all 
measures necessary to ensure a democratic, transparent, 
and fair election process for the 2004 Presidential elec-
tion. 
Whereas the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted is 
the cornerstone of representative government; 
Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and 
fair election process for the 2004 Presidential election in 
the United States will serve to restore the integrity of the 
electoral process; 
Whereas in 2001 the United States Commission on Civil 
Rights examined evidence from the controversial 2000 
elections and drew conclusions about the Federal Govern-
•HRES 797 IH 
ment’s responsibility to ensure voting rights for all people 
in the United States; 
Whereas, based on reports of widespread voter disenfran-
chisement in Florida, the Commission conducted an ex-
tensive public investigation into allegations of voting 
irregularities in that State, and during 3 days of hearings 
and sworn testimony from witnesses, including State offi-
cials, local election officials, county supervisors, poll 
workers, and registered voters, the Commission probed 
accounts of problematic machinery, inaccessible polling 
places, and inexperienced poll workers; 
Whereas, in testimony before the Committee on Rules and 
Administration of the Senate, the Commission urged 
Congress to consider its recommendations and to enact 
legislation that prescribes the duties of the Federal Gov-
ernment and State governments to promote the exercise 
of the right to vote; 
Whereas, after conducting additional research and consulting 
other organizations that also studied the 2000 Presi-
dential election, the Commission issued a report, ‘‘Elec-
tion Reform: An Analysis of Proposals and the Commis-
sion’s Recommendations for Improving America’s Elec-
tion System’’, that presented a comprehensive list of 18 
recommendations for Federal election reform designed 
specifically to protect the right to vote and the right to 
have one’s vote counted; 
Whereas the recommendations in that report centered on en-
suring polling place access for all voters, holding officials 
more accountable, and reforming systems that register 
voters and record their intent to ensure greater accuracy;
•HRES 797 IH 
Whereas key recommendations included establishing a higher 
level of accountability for elections, developing national 
equipment and procedural standards, requiring provi-
sional ballots, providing access for individuals with dis-
abilities and limited English proficiency, reinstating vot-
ing rights for felons, and improving poll worker training 
and voter education; 
Whereas the Help America Vote Act of 2002 included most 
of the recommendations of the Commission; 
Whereas implementation of the Act has been slow and Con-
gress has not appropriated the full level of funding au-
thorized under such Act; 
Whereas 41 States have requested and been granted exten-
sions to 2006 for implementation of such Act’s require-
ments for computerized statewide voter registration lists 
that are considered vital to protecting voting rights; 
Whereas 24 States have asked for and received from the Fed-
eral Government waivers from the requirement of such 
Act to replace punch card and lever machines; 
Whereas it is the duty of government and public authorities 
at all levels to act in a manner consistent with all laws 
and regulations governing election procedures and to en-
sure free and fair elections throughout the entire country, 
including preventing activities aimed at undermining the 
free exercise of political rights; 
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires a period 
of political campaigning conducted in an environment in 
which neither administrative action nor violence, intimi-
dation, or detention hinder the parties, political associa-
tions, or the candidates from presenting their views and 
qualifications to the citizenry, organizing supporters, con-
•HRES 797 IH 
ducting public meetings and events throughout the coun-
try, and enjoying access to television, radio, print, and 
Internet media on a nondiscriminatory basis; 
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires that citi-
zens be guaranteed the right and effective opportunity to 
exercise their civil and political rights, including the right 
to vote free from intimidation, threats of political retribu-
tion, or other forms of coercion by national or local au-
thorities or others; 
Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the full 
transparency of laws and regulations governing elections 
and unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, 
and domestic and international observers to all election 
procedures; and 
Whereas efforts by national and local officials and others act-
ing to impose obstacles to free assembly, free speech, and 
a free and fair political campaign could call into question 
the fairness of the upcoming Presidential elections: Now, 
therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recog-
nizes the importance of implementing any and all meas-
ures necessary to ensure that eligible citizens can vote and 
be assured of having their votes counted, including meas-
ures to ensure— 
(1) the full transparency of election procedures 
before, during, and after the 2004 Presidential elec-
tion; 
(2) free access for national and international 
election observers;
•HRES 797 IH 
(3) a transparent process for complaint and ap-
peals through administrative procedures and within 
the court system that provides timely and effective 
remedies; and 
(4) the vigorous prosecution of any individual 
or organization responsible for violations of election 
laws or regulations. 
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