WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As his presidential campaign gets into full swing, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, testified to the House Judiciary Committee on an act to impose penalties for intentionally preventing people from voting.

"Unfortunately, there are people who will stop at nothing to try to deceive voters and keep them away from the polls," Obama said. "What's worse, these practices often target and exploit vulnerable populations, such as minorities, the disabled, or the poor."

Obama introduced the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act in the Senate, mirrored by a similar bill in the House. If it passes, this can be punishable by up to five years in prison or a $250,000 fine.

"There is no place for politics in this debate -- no room for those who feel that they can gain a partisan advantage by keeping people away from the polls," said Obama.