Congress Must Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Without Delay
Upon the introduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act into the Senate today, Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle released this statement:
February 29, 2024
Contact: Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com 347-361-8449
The Workers Circle applauds the introduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the Senate and urges Congress to pass this bill without delay. I release this statement from Selma, Alabama, where we have gathered with civil rights, voting rights, and democracy organizations to remember civil rights leaders whose sacrifice gave birth to the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). Today the generations-long gains in voting access and representation from that law are being rolled back.
More than 100 state laws to restrict the vote have been passed since 2013, when the Supreme Court gutted the provision of the VRA that mandated federal oversight of states with long histories of voter suppression. These new state laws create particular barriers for voters of color. Further, we’ve seen the terrible results of Congressional maps being redrawn without the full protection of the VRA. Even when courts have initially determined that legislatures have unlawfully deprived communities of color of representation, states are sometimes still allowed to use discriminatory maps for elections.
Congress has a responsibility to act now. Our fundamental understanding of equality demands no less. Ensuring that every American can cast their vote freely and fairly, no matter their color or zip code, is the very cornerstone of our democracy. For almost 50 years the Voting Rights Act had broad bipartisan support and was an unparalleled tool for combatting discrimination in voting. Congress must make it so again. We call on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act without delay.
About the Workers Circle
The Workers Circle is a national, secular, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution, and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities at the turn of the 20th century. That history drives our work for an inclusive democracy and human equality today. Our activism is rooted in 1,000 years of Yiddish culture and tradition. Through strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, and interactive educational programs, we power a multi-generational community of activists that is building “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more at www.circle.org.