FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          CR
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1995    CONTACT: MYRON MARLIN  (202) 616-2765
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

  FEDERAL COURT TO HEAR ARGUMENTS TOMORROW ABOUT MOTOR-VOTER LAW


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A federal court in San Jose tomorrow will
hear arguments concerning the constitutionality of the National
Voter Registration Act (NVRA), a new law that simplifies voter
registration.
     Barry Weinberg, a Justice Department official, will be
available at the courthouse to talk with the media.
     The NVRA, or "motor-voter", which became effective on January
1, would allow Californians to register at motor vehicle offices,
state agencies, and through the mail.  Presently, 43% of eligible
citizens in the state are not registered to vote.
     Governor Wilson has refused to comply arguing that Congress
did not have authority to pass the law even though the Constitution
gives it the clear authority to regulate federal elections.  In
response, the Justice Department filed suit seeking a court order
requiring the Governor to comply.
               DATE:  Thursday, March 2, 1995
               TIME:  1:30 PM
               SITE:  U.S. District Court 
                      San Jose

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95-114