Friend,
We are living in a crucial moment in our nation's history, when the very foundations of our democracy are being tested. The right to vote, a cornerstone of our democracy, has been under attack in 45 states across the country since the start of this year, with 322 bills introduced that would restrict the right to vote. [1]
Thankfully, today Representative Terry Sewell has reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding our democracy and ensuring every American's voice is heard. This act builds upon the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis, who dedicated his life to advancing civil rights and voting rights for all Americans.
Here are just some of the reforms contained in the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:
- Restore and Modernize the Voting Rights Act (VRA): This bill would restore and update the VRA, which was gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013. It would reinstate the VRA's pre-clearance requirement, which prevented discriminatory voting practices before they could take effect.
- Expand Protection Against Discriminatory Voting Practices: The act broadens the VRA's protections to cover changes to voting practices that have a discriminatory impact, ensuring that all voters are treated fairly and equitably.
- Increase Transparency: The bill enhances transparency by requiring greater public notice and disclosure of changes to voting practices, making it harder for discriminatory changes to go unnoticed.
- Accountability for Violations: The act provides federal authorities with stronger tools to combat voting discrimination and ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable.
We must re-double our efforts to deal with the alarming wave of Republican attacks on the right to vote in states across our nation. Attacks that include stricter voter ID requirements, purging voter rolls, limiting early voting hours, and partisan gerrymandering, all of which disproportionately impact minority communities and marginalized voices.
We cannot stand idly by while our democracy is eroded. By signing the petition for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, you are taking a crucial step toward preserving our democracy and protecting the right to vote for all Americans.
Together, we can ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote freely and fairly, just as our democracy promises.
Thank you for your dedication to democracy and for joining us in this vital fight.
Zach VanHouten
People For the American Way
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Source:
[1] "Voting Laws Roundup: June 2023" The Brennan Center, 6/14/23
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