Doylestown, PA Jan 25, 2006  The Coalition for Voting Integrity announces a joint press conference to take place Wednesday, January 25, on the steps of the Doylestown Courthouse at noon. In case of inclement weather, a location inside the courthouse is being arranged. Mary Ann Gould, co-founder of the Coalition, will emcee the event. Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8) will be announcing proposed legislation, suggested by CVI, which he plans to introduce to the U.S. House of Representatives, to help alleviate pressures on counties and municipalities struggling to become HAVA-compliant in time for the primary season. There will be time for the press to address questions to CVI and Rep. Fitzpatrick regarding the proposed legislation, the next steps CVI plans to take, the CVI lawsuit and any other issues related to our voting integrity. "We are calling on people of all parties to come out," Gould said. "This is above politics. This is about America. We need to act now. Time is running out."

The first step of the Coalition's four-step plan to address HAVA issues facing Bucks County, Pennsylvania and the country will be announced. The comprehensive plan addresses both immediate short-term needs while laying out the groundwork and the requirements for a permanent solution to insure the integrity of our voting and the ability to verify it. There will be an announcement of a bi-partisan day(s) of lobbying starting next week to have citizens and elected officials join together in a trip to Washington, D.C. to ask every lawmaker to act now on the proposed bill as well as the existing H.R. 550. We are asking our legislators and leaders to give us the time now, so we all can get it right. The integrity of our voting system is more important than an arbitrary deadline.

Details

The press conference will offer excellent photo opportunities. Paul Revere will be on hand carrying an antique clock indicating that time is running out. As a symbol of awareness and civic action he will be there to pass the mantle of patriotism on to current and future generations of American patriots, represented by a uniformed soldier/veteran, young children and adults. There will be a brief and colorful rally in support of America's grassroots traditions.

Members of the Bucks County CVI chapter will be present as well as other Bucks County citizens concerned with this issue. Members of the CVI Chester County chapter will be available to address questions about a recertification request they are making of the Commonwealth using the criteria outlined in the Coalition for Voting Integrity lawsuit. In the spirit of unity, officials from both major parties, including all three Bucks County Commissioners, have been invited. Other legislators and officials of both parties have also been invited, some of whom are expected to attend. Further announcements to follow.