The League of Women Voters urges Indiana Senators Todd Christopher Young and Michael K. Braun to support Senate Bill 4363, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which will modernize and enhance protection for voters across the country. The John Lewis Voting Rights Act was passed into law 55 years ago on Aug. 12, 1965 and signed by then-President Lyndon Johnson. It has been since renewed five times with constant bipartisan support in Congress and the Executive Branch.
The Voting Rights Act was born out of a struggle against insidious and subtle voter suppression tactics such as poll taxes, literacy test and intimidation, targeting Black and brown communities. The work and fight against voter suppression had been spearheaded by activists and community organizers, such as the late Congressman John Lewis. As chair of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, Lewis organized Black voter registration efforts and direct action to fight for civil rights of Black people in this country. But since the Supreme Court’s Shelby v. Holder decision, politicians in states, counties, cities and towns have passed laws and adopted practices that discriminate against voter of color and language minority voters — making it harder to register and harder to vote, and to have those votes counted equally.
These actions stand in stark opposition to the tireless word and advocacy of Lewis and his fellow organizers during the Civils Rights Movement. Lewis’s legacy can be honored by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect the values that he and so many other fought for.
At age 80, Lewis passed away July 17 and three former U.S. Presidents were among the many leaders who attended his funeral July 30 in Atlanta. As the nation mourns the loss of Lewis, his legacy and memory can be honored by the passing of the John Lewis Voting Rights Enhancement Act to protect the values he and so many others fought for.
In 2020 we are heading into a critical election year that will have to be navigated in unprecedented circumstances. Later in 2021, a new redistricting cycle will begin. It is time for Congress to fulfill its obligations under the Constitution to eradicate voting discriminating by repairing the Voting Rights Act to its full strength and effectiveness.
The Voting Rights Advancement Act is needed to keep these processes fair, nonpartisan, and free from interference. The LWV encourages citizens to urge our Indiana Senators Young and Braun to support and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
The League of Women Voters, open to men as well as women, is a nonpartisan, multi-issue political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase public understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For information about the League, visit the website: www.lwvmontcoin.org or send a message to LWV, P.O. Box 101, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
