Task Force on Strengthening Democracy Statement on Reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Task Force on Strengthening Democracy Co-Chairs Representatives Colin Allred (TX-32), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), John Sarbanes (MD-03) and Nikema Williams (GA-05) issued the following statement on the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation that seeks to restore and modernize the full protections of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965:

“The right to vote is the bedrock of American democracy. However, 58 years after the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law, the fight to protect access to the ballot box against discriminatory voter suppression laws that threaten the ability of all Americans to have their voices heard remains as critical as ever.

“The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act works in tandem with other key legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act to deliver on the promise of a democracy that reflects the will of the American people. It ensures every eligible voter can cast their ballot by preventing states with a recent history of voter discrimination from restricting the right to vote, thereby strengthening legal protections against discriminatory policies and practices.

“Congressman John Lewis taught us, ‘Never give up, never give in, never give out.’ Our Task Force on Strengthening Democracy is proud to support this legislation, which honors and builds on Congressman Lewis’ legacy of ensuring every American has a voice in our democracy, regardless of where they live.”

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is supported by a diverse, non-partisan coalition comprised of more than 100 leading organizations in the voting rights, civil rights and good government communities.

Bill text of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is here.