AJC, ADL back Voting Rights Act amendment

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) –AJC applauds the introduction of bipartisan legislation amending the Voting Rights Act of 1965 so that it will continue to ensure fair treatment of all voters.

“Voting rights are a foundation of democracy,” said Richard Foltin, AJC Director of National and Legislative Affairs. “The Voting Rights Act remains an important bulwark against discrimination in exercising the right to vote.”

The U.S. Supreme Court last year, in Shelby County v. Holder, struck down as unconstitutional a key pre-clearance requirement of the landmark 1965 legislation that had protected against discriminatory laws and practices. Following the court decision, several jurisdictions moved to implement changes in voting practices that thwart full access to the ballot.

The Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014, introduced by Representatives James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and John Conyers (D-MI), aims to enhance voter protections in a way that is responsive to the issues raised by the high court.  A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT).

“Congressional action is imperative to guarantee that the franchise for all Americans is protected,” said Foltin.

AJC, a longstanding champion of civil rights, supported passage of the original Voting Rights Act 49 years ago.

To spur effective advocacy on behalf of voting rights, AJC will convene a national conference next month in Washington, D.C. The conference will be held in coordination with the National Urban League, NALEO, and other civil rights organizations.

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NEW YORK (Press Release)–Barry Curtiss-Lusher, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:

We are very pleased to see that members of Congress have set aside their partisan differences and have come together to protect the fundamental right to vote for all Americans.  ADL has long recognized the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as one of the most important and effective pieces of civil rights legislation ever passed, protecting the right to vote for millions of citizens.

Last year’s Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder threatened to imperil voting rights, particularly for minorities.  Although the legislation introduced today is not perfect, the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014 promises to go a long way towards restoring crucial voting rights protections of the VRA.

We look forward to working with Congress to strengthen the bill further and to pass meaningful reform that ensures that all Americans can make their voices heard in our democracy.  We commend Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) for their leadership in introducing this essential legislation.

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Preceding provided by the AJC and the ADL