NEA urges passage of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021

WASHINGTON —The National Education Association urged Congress to vote yes on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 (H.R. 4) because it will protect our most fundamental right as citizens and safeguard the integrity of our democracy. Accessing the right to vote has become more difficult in recent years, particularly for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, students, and senior citizens. In fact, from January through mid-July of this year, nearly 400 bills were introduced in 49 states that would make voting more difficult, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. At least 18 of those states have enacted 30 new laws that restrict our freedom to vote. 

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle:  

“No matter if we are Republicans, Democrats, Independents or find ourselves subscribing to another political party, the right to vote is what unites us, and all American citizens have the right to cast their ballots in this democracy. However, this country has a long and ugly history of suppressing the right to vote, and over the last two decades, it has resurfaced with a vengeance. That’s why the National Education Association supports the swift passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, which will help ensure our elections have a transparent process in which we can trust and that all Americans have equal freedom to vote. 

“NEA’s 3 million members live, work, and vote in every precinct, county, and congressional district in the United States. Voting is not just our civic duty; the right to vote also is an obligation that ensures this country is truly a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Educators teach students that voting is a responsibility of citizenship, a privilege people have died to protect, and a right that we must ensure is upheld. It is time to restore and strengthen our freedom to vote by eliminating discrimination at the ballot box.” 

Follow on Twitter at @NEAmedia and @BeckyPringle 

Keep up with the conversation on social media at #RestoreTheVRA and #AndStillIVote 

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.