Friend — Every day, new headlines announce state legislation to disenfranchise voters of color across the country. Just yesterday, Florida signed a bill limiting vote-by-mail access. The civil and democratic rights that generations of Black and Brown activists have fought so hard for are being stripped away before our eyes.

In 2013, the Supreme Court opened the way for states to pass discriminatory voting rights legislation by repealing key sections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA). The John Lewis Voting Rights Act would restore the VRA to its full power and block racist laws BEFORE they can be enacted.

We need voices from LCV supporters to become part of history and continue to fight to protect democracy, civil rights, and voter protections for all. Join the 5,000 people demanding that the House pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to protect voting and civil rights nationwide »

John Lewis fought for these rights his whole life. As a civil rights leader and member of Congress, his work was instrumental in enacting and upholding the original 1965 Voting Rights Act. The updated John Lewis Voting Rights Act was created to honor his legacy and continue his vital mission. This bill would:

• Prevent racial discriminatin in voting
• Set new criteria of racial voting protections for states with histories of voter suppression
• Allow courts to block discriminatory election policies
• Ensure that new election rules comply with the Supreme Court ruling

This is about stopping white supremacy through voter disenfranchisement. When restrictive voter ID laws, last minute voting changes, and denial of food and water in voting lines are made legal through state laws, it is impossible for marginalized communities to fairly participate in democracy.

We have the power to make a change. In addition to state legislatures, billionaires and big business groups are spending wild amounts of money to buy elections. At LCV, we're well-practiced at winning against well-funded attacks from corporate polluters. We can do it again. But we need your help: tell your representative to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act today »

Black and Brown communities are more heavily impacted by toxic pollution and climate change — when they are prevented from voting, they are denied the constitutional right to make their voices heard when demanding bold climate action.

The systemic forces that allow police violence to continue, expose communities of color to higher levels of toxic pollution, and keep Black voters in line at polling places for endless hours only to be turned away are one and the same. What's at stake is ending a vestige of slavery, and we must take action.

LCV stands with leaders fighting for democratic representation, racial equity, and environmental justice. Can we count on you to sign on and urge the House to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act? And the afterward can we count on you to join your local John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Day of Action event this Saturday, May 8th.

Thank you for speaking out for our democracy.

Justin Kwasa
Voting Rights Program Director
League of Conservation Voters