End Citizens United (ECU) Action Fund President Tiffany Muller released the following statement on Representative Terri Sewell’s reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:
“Sixty years after the Bloody Sunday tragedy, the fight to protect the freedom to vote remains as urgent as ever. The Supreme Court’s shameful decision in Shelby v. Holder gave corrupt, self-serving politicians the green light to pass a wave of restrictive laws that disproportionately silence communities of color.
“That’s why Representative Sewell’s leadership in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is so critical. This bill will restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act and put a check on politicians trying to manipulate election laws to benefit themselves. It’s a necessary step to ensure that every voter––no matter where they live or the color of their skin––can make their voice heard.
“The late Congressman Lewis put his life on the line to protect our democracy. Congress has a choice to either honor his legacy and defend this fundamental right of the American people, or stand complicit in the ongoing assault on the freedom to vote.”
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act by:
- Establishing new review and approval criteria for preventing racial discrimination in voting.
- Requiring federal review of specific voting practices known to have been used to discriminate against voters of color.
- Mandating greater nationwide transparency of voting law and policy changes.
- Reinforcing voters’ ability to challenge racial discrimination in court.
- Allowing voters of color to challenge voting changes that worsen their position.
- Giving the U.S. Department of Justice more authority to investigate voting rights violations.
- Expanding courts’ roles in protecting voting rights.
- Expanding the federal observer program.
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