Today we celebrate the 59th anniversary of the passage of the monumental Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA).
The VRA was landmark civil rights legislation responding to barriers that prevented Black voters from exercising their rights to vote. It ensured that no federal, state, or local government could prevent individuals from voting based on race or ethnicity. It remains necessary to this day to prevent voter discrimination and ensure power remains with the people.

However, since the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder gutted the VRA, at least twenty-nine states have passed ninety-four laws that make it harder to vote, with the burden falling hardest on Black voters and other voters of color. We need a fully restored VRA to defend our democracy and protect the freedom to vote.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA), HR14 and S4, was reintroduced this Congress to restore and modernize the VRA. This vital legislation seeks to ensure renewed oversight, accountability, and justice in our democracy so all voters can exercise their right to vote.

It has been 59 years since the VRA was passed, yet we are still engaged in the fight against voter discrimination. In this 2024 election cycle, join us in calling on Congress to strengthen voters’ rights and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

May we continue the work to ensure voter equality for all.