For Release: Wednesday, January 10, 2000
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF ELECTORAL REFORM LEGISLATION

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today announced he has cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would conduct a thorough review of the U.S. electoral system. The bill, H.R. 57, would create the Federal Elections Review Commission, a 12-member, non-partisan body that would analyze a broad range of reform proposals and make recommendations to Congress.

A major focus of the Commission would be to look at reforms intended to encourage qualified non-voters to participate in elections. Only 50% of eligible voters participated in the recent presidential election.

"I feel strongly that we need to take advantage of the interest in last year's election to re-examine the basic tenets of our electoral system," stated Costello. "We have many issues that need to be examined, including improving election technology, increasing voter participation, and the continued existence of the electoral college. A panel of experts will best be able to give Congress unbiased guidance. Above all else, we need an election system all Americans can believe in."

The Commission would hold at least five meetings across the country, one being in the District of Columbia, and would submit a final report to Congress and the President within a year of its first convening. Three Commission members each would be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Senate Minority Leader.

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