MSNBC "The Rachel Maddow Show" - Transcript

Interview

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REP. TERRI SEWELL (D), ALABAMA: Thank you so much, Melissa.

HARRIS-PERRY: Now, it is not just South Carolina. According to the Brennan Center, at least 34 states have proposed voter ID bills this session, and you, from Alabama, you know, from the district that represents
Thelma, you guys in the state also have a new voter ID law. What are your concerns around your state`s new law?

SEWELL: Well, my state`s new law would actually be very similar to South Carolina`s law, in which they would require valid photo ID in order to vote, and frankly, I think that it really will disenfranchise,
especially our seniors, many of whom don`t drive, many of whom are used to showing their Social Security card, which doesn`t have a photo ID, but yet it is a validly-issued government ID.

And so, I just really feel like think there`s something in the air that is really looking to disenfranchise and really make sure certain segments of the population don`t get out to vote.

HARRIS-PERRY: Well, and precisely on this question about certain segments of the population, I know when you talked to producers earlier today, you were talking specifically about a member of your family who you
felt could be disenfranchised by this sort of bill.

SEWELL: Absolutely, Melissa. See, I grew up in Alabama, my dad has had several strokes and is currently in a wheelchair and has been for the past six years, and he votes using his Social Security card. And dad
doesn`t have a valid photo ID or driver`s license because he doesn`t drive anymore. And it`s really a hardship to try to get to make sure he gets a photo ID.

I mean, luckily, we have home help, and my mom is in good health and we can, obviously, get my dad somewhere. But there are so many people in my district who will not be able to get a valid photo ID.

I think that this is unfair and, really, I`m hoping that just as in South Carolina, the Justice Department will intervene when it comes to Alabama`s law as well. I think that it is not fair to so many people in my
district who are either elderly, disabled -- some of our young folks don`t have photo IDs.

And so, I think it`s really important that we encourage voter participation and not discourage it, especially in the civil rights district that I represent.

HARRIS-PERRY: Congresswoman Sewell, when you talk about the people in your district -- I always hear this sense of empathy that you have for them. I remember you being interviewed after the tornadoes that affected your district as well. And I feel like when I`ve heard proponents and supporters of the voter ID bill talk it`s without that empathy. They say things like, well, you need a photo ID to go to a bar or get on a plane. But, of course, going to a bar and getting on a plane is not part of your rights as a citizen.

What do you think are the real reasons for a law like this?

SEWELL: I just think that it`s very curious that lately, Melissa, we`ve seen across this United States, especially in -- in states that are now run by the GOP, an effort to systemically try to find these voter ID
suppression laws that will actually discourage voter participation. You know, people in Thelma and across this nation fought and died and cross the Edmund Pettis Bridge for the right to vote. It is a fundamental right, and we shouldn`t be looking for opportunities to discourage voter participation. Instead, we should be encouraging it.

I know that in this particular district, people are so cognizant of it.

HARRIS-PERRY: Congresswoman Sewell, Democrat of Alabama, thanks so much for joining me and reminding all of us how important it is to keep our eyes on this.

SEWELL: Thank you so much, Melissa.

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