Skip to main content

Pelosi Statement on Introduction of Voting Rights Advancement Act

June 24, 2015

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the introduction of new voting rights legislation, H.R. 2867, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015, which is being introduced by Representatives Terri Sewell, Linda Sanchez, Judy Chu, and John Lewis:

"The right to vote is the most fundamental right in our democracy. It is the foundation of freedom and vital to ensuring that all Americans live in a just and fair society. Yet in too many places across America, this right has been diluted or denied. Two years ago, the Supreme Court decided to dismantle key provisions of the Voting Rights Act that protects Americans' right to be heard at the ballot box.

"Fifty years after the march to the ballot in Selma and the passage of the Voting Rights Act, we must act anew to defend and advance the right to vote. We cannot wait. With the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015, we will reassert the rights of all Americans and reaffirm the full promise of our democracy.

"We must, once and for all, stop the despicable attempts to stand between citizens and the ballot box. With a renewed, revised and strengthened Voting Rights Act, we will ensure that every citizen, everywhere has the right to vote and that every vote is counted as cast. By giving more people a reason to register, a reason to vote, we can strengthen our democracy for future generations."

# # #

Issues:Human Rights