Voting Rights
In the 117th Congress, Democrats passed H.R. 1, the For The People Act, which would promote government transparency, strengthen access to the ballot box, secure election infrastructure, and curb the influence of dark money in politics. The House also passed H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, which would reauthorize key portions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that were struck down in the Supreme Court’s flawed Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich v. DNC decisions. In addition, the House passed H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which would set basic nationwide standards for how elections are conducted and take action to end partisan gerrymandering. Senate Republicans shamefully continue to obstruct these vital pieces of civil rights legislation and attack our democracy.
Democrats will continue to protect our democracy, advance the cause of voting rights, and expand access to the ballot box. We will fight to ensure that misleading information does not deter Americans from participating in our democracy and having confidence in the results of our free and fair elections.
“Today’s ruling is a disappointing blow to voting rights in America and will have a real impact on voters.
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is extremely disappointing. For many years, I and others have traveled with civil rights hero Rep. John Lewis to Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the historic 1965 march for voting rights and reflect on the need for the Voting Rights Act and its continued importance today.
“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court represents a victory for voters in Arizona and across the country who were under the very real threat of losing their right to register and cast a ballot because they lack certain forms of identification.
“I applaud Democrats on the House Administration Committee, led by Ranking Member Robert Brady and Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Juan Vargas, for introducing legislation to reform and reauthorize the Election Assistance Commission.
Let me start by thanking the National Council on Disability for everything it does to educate the Congress, the President, federal agencies, and state and local governments on policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities.
“I am pleased that President Obama signed an executive order today establishing the Commission on Election Reform. As the commission takes shape, I will be following the process very closely and with great interest.
As the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act is being challenged in the Supreme Court, Americans’ equal access to casting their ballots has been called into question, again. While Democrats are committed to fighting to ensure all Americans are able to exercise their fundamental right to vote, many states have continued to put in place laws that make it harder for some Americans – especially minorities, seniors, and youth – to participate in the electoral process.
As the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments challenging this crucial piece of civil rights legislation, voices have been pouring in from around the country in support:
USA Today: Uphold Voting Rights Act
“The Voting Rights Act lives on to be one of the most critical and successful pieces of legislation Congress has ever passed.
“I am pleased to join Marcia Fudge, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, and my good friend, Steve Horsford, the Gentleman from Nevada, and I noticed that Don Payne is here. His father was a very close friend of mine, active some 45 years ago. So it's good to see you here, Don. Hakeem Jeffries - two of our really great new members - I'm pleased to join you.