Grace McRae - grace.mcrae@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON D.C.-- Today, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) was introduced in the U.S. Senate. Back in August, the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Terri Sewell and passed by a vote of 219-212. The passing of the VRAA in the House was imperative, as it would complement the Freedom to Vote Act and bolster the bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965. It would expand and broaden Section 2, which has been weakened by two Supreme Court decisions.
The VRAA will prevent the implementation of discriminatory voting practices in an effort to protect and ensure the rights of all voters. Additionally, the Freedom to Vote Act, which passed the House earlier this year, includes national standards to protect the right to vote, bans partisan redistricting, expands campaign finance reforms, automatic voter registration, and prevents voter intimidation. The VRAA arrives at the Senate at a time when over 425 voter suppression bills have been introduced in 49 states and confidence in our electoral process has severely diminished. The passing of the VRAA would demonstrate the Democrats’ commitment to every Americans’ right to vote.
In response, Sierra Club Democracy Program Director Courtney Hight released the following statement:
“The Sierra Club applauds Senator Leahy and Senate Democratic leadership for building on the momentum we saw in the House back in August, when lawmakers came together to protect the right to vote by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Our democracy is only healthy if we have a fully fair and functioning election system that enables all Americans -- regardless of their race, their zip code, or how much money they make -- to have their voices heard. We’ve seen time and time again that the right to vote is critical to creating healthy and safe communities; our civil rights, our health, our jobs and our environment depend on a healthy and well-functioning democracy. The VRAA will move us one important step closer toward achieving that goal and paired with the Freedom to Vote Act, these bills offer a historic opportunity to protect our democracy and preserve the freedom to vote for all Americans.”
“The Sierra Club proudly rises with our allies to call on the Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act without delay.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.