National Urban League Hails Passage of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Washington, D.C. (August 24, 2021) – Tonight, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the House’s passage of H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:
“Today, House members made the American people a priority by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Voting is one of the most sacred rights granted under our Constitution, yet the coordinated, anti-democratic efforts by state legislators to suppress that right have been blatant, discriminatory, and racist. Passing H.R. 4 will bring us one step closer to guaranteeing that the voices and ballots of all Americans are protected, regardless of party affiliation.
“A few months ago, I accompanied other civil rights leaders to a meeting with President Biden and Vice President Harris on the state of emergency created by the nation’s lack of voter protections for its most vulnerable populations. The National Urban League has highlighted the urgency surrounding this bill’s passage and has fought tirelessly to ensure it remained a top priority for Congress. We are pleased to see progress has been made.
“The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will:
- Prevent racial discrimination in voting;
- Require federal review of specific voting practices known to be used to discriminate against voters of color;
- Mandate greater nationwide transparency of voting laws and policy changes;
- Restore voters’ ability to challenge racial discrimination in court; and
- Allow voters of color to challenge voting changes that are detrimental to their voting rights.
“As the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act moves to the Senate, we are hopeful for a swift passage of the bill and the For the People Act. Both bills are critical to protecting the right to vote for all Americans.