Now Is The Time For Congress to Pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

On August 6, we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a pivotal legislation that secured voting rights for Black Americans. Sadly, since 2010, more than 25 states have implemented restrictive laws that suppress voter participation among minorities, young people, and low-income individuals. The 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Shelby v. Holder further eroded protections under the Voting Rights Act, leaving voters exposed to increased barriers.For instance, soon after the Shelby decision, Texas swiftly enacted stringent voter ID laws, leading to significant voter roll purges, particularly affecting Black voters. In response to rampant voter suppression, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in August 2021, aiming to fortify the original Voting Rights Act by mandating federal approval for alterations in states with histories of voting violations. Unfortunately, the Senate narrowly rejected the bill.Recognizing the escalating urgency, House Democrats reintroduced the legislation in March 2025, followed by Senate Democrats on July 29, 2025. As the nation confronts pressing issues surrounding democratic integrity, the push for comprehensive voting reform becomes vital for all citizens.