We are deeply saddened today by the loss of Mayor Ed Koch. In his decades of public service, Mayor Koch was a vital and tireless voice for reform and change in New York. We were honored to work with him through the years, particularly in the recent fight to bring small donor public financing to Albany.

Following a presidential election marred by long lines and confusion at the polls, the Brennan Center for Justice highlighted a proposal today to modernize voter registration and bring America’s election system into the 21st century — just days after President Obama mentioned voting reform in his inaugural address.

The voting rights of thousands of Colorado citizens were protected today as a state district court judge blocked Secretary of State Scott Gessler’s controversial interpretation of Colorado’s mail ballot election law.

Governor McDonnell’s support for restoring rights complements his use of his clemency power to reintegrate these individuals back into our democracy. The legislature should swiftly respond to his call.