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Published: 12/02/2021
Congress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to fight attempts to discriminate against voters, but today a faction of elected representatives refuses to pass laws to protect our freedom to vote. Certain U.S. Supreme Court decisions in recent years have done more harm than good.
Many states are silencing the voices of Black, Brown, Indigenous, young, elderly, and disabled voters.
Congress must pass laws to ensure that every American can safely and freely cast their ballot, building on our legacy of expanding access to voting and welcoming all voices.
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Pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act (HR 5746)
Submitted on 01/19/2022
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Pass the Freedom to Vote Act: John R. Lewis Act (HR 5746)
Submitted on 01/13/2022
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Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR 4)
Submitted on 11/02/2021
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Support
HR 5746 Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 10/27/2021
The legislation will protect our votes, take steps to prevent discrimination against voters of color, stop partisan gerrymandering, and limit the influence of dark money in politics
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Support
S 2747 Freedom to Vote Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 09/14/2021
A bill to expand Americans' access to the ballot box and reduce the influence of big money in politics, and for other purposes.
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Support
HR 4 John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 www.congress.gov
Introduced on 08/17/2021
A bill which would help protect the freedom to vote and ensure elections are safe and accessible.
Voting Rights
Broadening and expanding access to the vote is entrenched in America’s history.
1965
Establishing nationwide protections
President Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prohibit discrimination in voting by providing nationwide protections for voting rights.
1970
Voting Rights Act is Extended
Congress overwhelmingly passes an extension of the Voting Rights Act by 64-12 in the Senate, 224-183 in the House. President Nixon signs it into law.
1975
Second Reauthorization
The second reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act passes 77-12 in the Senate, 341-70 in the House. President Ford signs it into law.
1982
Pres. Reagan Signs Third Exention
The 25-year extension of the Voting Rights Act passes 85-8 in the Senate, 389-24 in the House. President Reagan signs it into law.
2006
Fourth Reauthorization Overwhelmingly Passes
The fourth reauthorization, the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006, passes 98-0 in the Senate, 390-33 in the House. Pres. George W. Bush signs it into law.
2013
Supreme Court Weakens Protections
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Shelby County v. Holder sweeps away a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that prevented states with a history of voter discrimination from changing their voting laws and practices without preclearance by federal officials.
2021
Voting Rights Endangered
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee makes it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting laws passed by states. Legislatures in many states pass laws making it harder to vote using a range of tactics, including imposing harsher ID requirements and shortening the time for mail-in ballots.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
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