In the ongoing fight to protect our sacred right to vote, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act stands as a beacon of hope and progress. And that’s why I vow – if elected – to lead the charge on getting this bill passed in the next Congress.

Named after the legendary civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis, this vital piece of legislation is designed to restore and strengthen key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been intentionally weakened over the years.

What is the John Lewis Voting Rights Act?

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act aims to ensure that every American has equal access to the ballot box by addressing various forms of voter suppression. The act seeks to restore the full protections of the original Voting Rights Act by:

1. Restoring Preclearance: The act reinstates the requirement for states and localities with a history of voting discrimination to obtain federal approval before making changes to their voting laws or practices. This preclearance provision, which was effectively nullified by the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, is crucial for preventing discriminatory practices before they can take effect.
2. Updating the Coverage Formula: The legislation modernizes the formula used to determine which jurisdictions are subject to preclearance based on recent voting rights violations. This ensures that areas with contemporary issues of discrimination are appropriately monitored. In other words, sure, no states are instituting old school poll taxes or counting jelly beans, but if they’re doing things that in the modern age we know make it harder to vote but weren’t envisioned in the original formula, this law takes that into account as well.
3. Enhancing Transparency: The act requires states and localities to publicly disclose any changes to voting laws and practices, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. This provision helps voters and advocacy groups stay informed and mobilize against potential discriminatory measures.
4. Expanding Protections: The act strengthens protections against discriminatory voting practices by broadening the scope of what constitutes a violation. This includes not only traditional forms of discrimination but also practices that disproportionately impact minority communities.

Why I Support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act

As a candidate dedicated to justice, equality, and the protection of civil rights, I wholeheartedly support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Here’s why:

1. Protecting Democracy: Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. Ensuring that every citizen has the ability to participate in the electoral process is essential for a healthy and functioning democracy. This act provides the necessary safeguards to protect against voter suppression and discrimination.
2. Addressing Modern Challenges: In recent years, we’ve seen numerous attempts to restrict voting rights and disenfranchise marginalized communities. The John Lewis Voting Rights Act addresses these contemporary challenges with updated measures that reflect the current landscape of voting rights.
3. Empowering Communities: By ensuring that all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, have equal access to the ballot box, we empower communities to have a voice in their government. This leads to more representative and responsive leadership that truly reflects the will of the people.
4. Honoring a Legacy: John Lewis dedicated his life to the struggle for civil rights and voting equality. Supporting this act is a way to honor his legacy and continue his work. It’s a commitment to the principles of fairness and equality that he fought for throughout his life.

The passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act is not just a legislative necessity; it is a moral imperative for our country. I am committed to advocating for this critical piece of legislation and working towards a future where every American’s right to vote is protected and upheld. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive democracy that honors the legacy of John Lewis, our constitution, and ensures justice for all.