Statement Of Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer Applauding House Passage Of The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

Democracy 21 applauds House Democrats for the passage of H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a critically important step forward in addressing aggressive voter suppression efforts being taken in states around the country.

Eighteen state legislatures have already passed laws this year making it harder for eligible citizens to vote, with more restrictive legislation under consideration in other states. Millions of Black, brown, other minorities, the disabled, elderly, and young, are at risk of losing their ability to vote due to these voter suppression efforts.

These efforts are, plain and simple, the 21st century’s Jim Crow.

H.R. 4, along with H.R. 1/S. 1, which the House passed in March, are absolutely essential if we are to protect the right to vote in federal elections for all eligible citizens. The two bills protect the right to vote in complementary ways and both must be enacted.

Protecting one of the most important rights of citizens should not be controversial.

The Senate must do whatever is necessary, including changing its filibuster rules, to swiftly pass H.R. 4 and H.R. 1 / S. 1 when it returns in September.

The sacred right to vote for millions of citizens hangs in the balance.

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