The John Lewis Voting Rights Act: Protecting the Ballot Box & His Legacy

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act is more than just a piece of legislation; it's a vital step towards ensuring fair and equal access to the ballot box for all Americans. Named in honor of the late Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, this act aims to restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that were weakened by Supreme Court decisions.

The core issue? The Shelby County v. Holder (2013) ruling effectively eliminated the preclearance requirement, which mandated that certain states with a history of voting discrimination needed federal approval before implementing changes to their election laws. This opened the door to new restrictive voting laws across the country.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act seeks to remedy this by establishing a new process for determining which jurisdictions require federal oversight. By strengthening federal protections against voter suppression, it strives to uphold the fundamental right to vote and safeguard our democracy. It is a critical fight to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in our political process and a powerful tribute to John Lewis's lifelong dedication to justice.