Friend,
Less than two weeks after Senate Democrats reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act – and just days after President Biden called for its passage during his State of the Union address – Senate Democrats are having not just one but two hearings today that will examine the history behind efforts to suppress the right to vote and steps that can be taken to protect our democracy in this critical election year.
Once the nation’s premier voting rights legislation, the Voting Rights Act has suffered several devastating blows throughout the years. Beginning in 2013 when the Supreme Court gutted the landmark legislation in the Shelby County ruling and again in the 2021 Brnovich ruling – both cases making it much easier for states to enact restrictive voter laws.
Thankfully, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore, strengthen, and modernize key provisions of the Voting Rights Act that have been gutted by the Supreme Court.
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 by establishing a new geographic formula for the VRA's pre-clearance requirement, in order to prevent discriminatory voting practices before they can 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.
With today’s Senate hearings demonstrating the commitment from Senate Democrats to protecting our right to vote, it’s crucial that we show overwhelming support for the legislation.
Thanks for all that you do,
– People For the American Way
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