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0000017b-98c7-d6d2-a7fb-9eefdbf90000KLCC News is covering many aspects of the 2016 General Election. View KLCC's election related stories below.

Senator Wyden, NAACP, And Voting Rights Advocates Push "Vote By Mail"

Brian Bull

Oregon is one of only three states that vote by mail.  Now one of its senators wants to make that a national practice.  KLCC’s Brian Bull has more: 

With a week left before ballots are due, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is pushing his “Vote By Mail Act of 2016”.  It’s been introduced in the senate.  Wyden says if passed, it would help Americans who may not have time to go to the polls.

“Working parents very often are working two, three jobs. And they can’t afford to take a day off and go vote," says Wyden.  He adds limited access "definitely, disproportionally hits minorities and young people and working families.” 

Eric Richardson, President of the Eugene-Springfield chapter of the NAACP agrees.  He says some states have tried implementing voter ID requirements, that can disenfranchise minorities, students, and the elderly.  

Credit Brian Bull
Eric Richardson, President of the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, expressing support for Wyden's "Vote By Mail Act of 2016".

Richardson says voting by mail also frees up more time for those who want to make informed choices.

“Even having the time to consider the issues and really be thoughtful about it is very helpful," says Richardson.  "And being at home and being surrounded by your family, and being able to consider these issues and to vote on your own schedule is also helpful for families, and young people who are moving a lot as well.” 

Senator Wyden says he’d like members of Congress to take up his bill after Election Day.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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