John,

Today marks a major historical milestone for civil rights and equal access to the democratic system—it’s the 54th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. This act outlawed racial discrimination in voting and discriminatory voter suppression tactics, such as mandatory voting literacy tests. Unfortunately, in 2013 the Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder gutted a key provision of this landmark civil rights law.

So today, instead of being able to fully commemorate the landmark voting rights legislation, many advocates are in the trenches fighting to curb the voter suppression unleashed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to gut it. Voter I.D. laws, gerrymandering, and voter purges are putting up barriers to voting for all people, but especially young people and communities of color. It’s time to join activists across the country, as we mobilize to call foul and demand action.

Sign up to host or attend an event today, August 6, calling for the restoration of the Voting Rights Act!

Since Shelby, restrictive voting laws have been passed in 20 states. Protecting the right to vote for every citizen is critical to a functioning democracy, which is why the Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR-4) to fix the Supreme Court’s abysmal ruling must be a major priority for Congress.

Join us today, August 6, the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, by hosting or attending a VRA Vigil in your community to shine a light for democracy and to demand Congress pay attention to the VRAA. Join us.

In solidarity,

Brittney Souza
Organizing Associate
Generation Progress