During critical election year, Congress must ensure everyone can fully participate in democracy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON — Today, Robert Brandon, President & CEO of Fair Elections Center, issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate introduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:
“Today’s introduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is a crucial step in ensuring everyone can participate fully in our democracy. It is especially imperative during this election year that all voters, regardless of their race, ethnicity, language, or ability, can cast their ballot, allowing our democracy to work for us all.
"For nearly 50 years, the Voting Rights Act, which had bipartisan support, was an unparalleled tool for combating voter suppression, especially for Black, Latino, Asian, and Native Voters. The proposed legislation will restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act, repairing the damage done by the Supreme Court in recent years. We need legislation like The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act that will modernize voting rights protections to meet the needs of a multiracial, inclusive democracy and give us all the power to shape the political decisions that impact our lives.
“As the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday approaches, it is clear that this bill is needed now more than ever. The racial turnout gap between white voters and voters of color is growing, particularly in states that were previously required to receive federal approval for any voting changes under the Voting Rights Act.
“This generation of lawmakers must respond to the call of the majority of Americans who support federal legislation to protect the vote. We urge Members of Congress to fulfill their duty to protect the freedom to vote by passing this bill, even if it requires ending the filibuster, so that all voters can make their voices heard.”
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Fair Elections Center is a national nonpartisan and non-profit voting rights and election reform organization based in Washington, D.C. whose mission is to use litigation, public education and advocacy to remove barriers to registration and voting, and to improve election administration.