Bonamici Helps House Pass Legislation to Restore Voting Rights

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC [8/24/21] -- Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) joined the House in passing legislation to protect the rights of voters and block voter suppression efforts.

H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, updates the enforcement mechanisms of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to protect voters from practices used by states and localities that threaten voting rights. Voter suppression efforts have grown since 2013 when the Voting Rights Act was significantly weakened by the Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder, and again in July 2021 with Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee.

"Elections are the foundation of our democracy, and any effort to suppress the voice of the people at the ballot box is a threat to our country," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "Unfortunately, in recent elections we have seen the number of voter suppression efforts grow, especially in Black communities and other communities of color. We must do all we can to make sure that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so, regardless of who they are or where they live. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is an important step forward to help restore the protections that voters need."

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