Kerry Says Citizens Need to Pressure Lawmakers for Voting Reforms

Speaking today at a Faneuil Hall event sponsored by the Massachusetts League of Women Voters, John Kerry “told a crowd of about 100 in Boston on Sunday that all citizens must demand their right to vote and refuse to be intimidated.”

Kerry, who is using crutches as he recovers from knee surgery, said too many voters who tried to cast ballots in last November's presidential election were rebuffed. He said people must push for changes to make sure all voters are treated equally.

"Last year too many people were denied their right to vote, too many who tried to vote were intimidated," Kerry said. "There is no magic wand. No one person is going to stand up and suddenly say it's going to change tomorrow. You have to do that."

Supporters of Kerry have said voting irregularities in a largely Democratic areas made it harder for voters to cast ballots.

Voting irregularities in Ohio drove primarily Democratic challenges to the Nov. 2 election. The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit that cited Election Day problems including long lines, and a shortage of voting machines in predominantly minority neighborhoods.

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