NACDD Statement in Support of the
John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of
Councils for Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is proud to support the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRRA) introduced on National Voter Registration Day, September 19, 2023.
“Access to the ballot is critical for democracy, yet people with disabilities often face substantial obstacles to exercising their
right to vote,” said Robin Troutman, Deputy Director, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. “The Supreme Court decision in
Shelby County v. Holder made it easier for states to pass laws that make it harder for people with disabilities to vote. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would reassure all Americans that their access to voting is protected and that states
cannot put in place practices that discriminate against minority voters and voters with disabilities.”
In recent years, laws restricting voting include actions such as curbing access to mail voting and implementing stricter photo ID requirements
for voter registration or in-person voting can have a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities. The VRRA updates the Voting Rights Act to provide critical safeguards that would prevent states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination from
enforcing voting laws that have the effect of discriminating against minority and other voting populations at the polls or during an early voting period.
For more information, please contact Robin Troutman at
xxxxxx@nacdd.org.
###
Erin Prangley
Director, Policy
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
From: Robin Troutman <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 10:59 AM
To: Erin Prangley <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>
Subject: FW: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
Thoughts?
From: Zoe Mazurkiewicz <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 3:52 PM
To: Robin Troutman <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>
Subject: Re: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
Here is a draft statement on the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
I also highly recommend blog posts to expand/contribute to the discussion starting centered around the bill. It's a good opportunity to highlight the issue of voter suppression and what people
can do to get involved on the issue by bringing their attention to legislation like this.
-Zoë Mazurkiewicz
From: Robin Troutman <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:58 PM
To: Naomi Moore <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>; Zoe Mazurkiewicz <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>
Cc: Erin Prangley <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>; Rafael Rolon-Muniz <xxxxxx@nacdd.org>
Subject: FW: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
Can someone draft a statement similar to what is below? Just ignore the third paragraph with “new fever pitch” that is not plain language
From:
xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org>
On Behalf Of Adam Ginsburg
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:38 PM
To: xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org
Subject: Re: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
Sharing Campaign Legal Center's statement as well!
Congress
Must Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Washington, DC — Today,
members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congresswoman Terri Sewell, reintroduced the John
Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), legislation named after the late civil rights icon that would amend and restore the full strength of the Voting Rights Act (VRA).
“With the 2024 election cycle already in full swing, it’s never been clearer: all voters should have a say in the future direction
of our country,” said Trevor Potter, president of Campaign Legal Center (CLC) and a Republican former chairman of the Federal Election Commission. “The
John Lewis VRAA will help America realize the true promise of our democracy: a government of, by, and for the people. The Voting Rights Act has a long track record of earning overwhelming bipartisan support, because protecting voting access should be a goal
that transcends political divides. Campaign Legal Center strongly endorses the John Lewis VRAA.”
Attacks on voting rights have reached a new fever pitch after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the 2013 case Shelby
County v. Holder, with the attacks growing even more persistent since 2020. In the past decade, Americans have seen cutbacks to early voting periods, new burdensome requirements to cast ballots and restrictions on the right of nonpartisan civic
engagement groups to assist citizens in participating fully in the democratic process.
Notably, the VRAA would reestablish and revitalize the important preclearance system gutted by the U.S. Supreme Court in Shelby
County v. Holder, as well as strengthen Section 2 of the VRA, which the Court has also weakened in recent years. These essential reforms will protect Black and brown voters throughout the voting process and help ensure every American can participate
in our democracy.
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914.481.7053 |
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Campaign Legal Center |
From:
xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org> on behalf of Nina Perales <xxxxxx@MALDEF.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:47 PM
To: xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org>
Subject: RE: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
Sharing MALDEF’s statement on the introduction today of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
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National Headquarters: 634 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 Office: 213-629-2512 |
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Press Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
September 19, 2023 |
CONTACT: Sandra Hernandez: (213) 629-2512 x.129 Julie Gallego: (213) 629-2512 x.128 |
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MALDEF STATEMENT ON INTRODUCTION OF THE JOHN R. LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT |
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(LOS ANGELES) – Today Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives reintroduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA).
Previously passed in the House in 2021, the VRAA would restore some of the voting protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were severely undermined in
Shelby County v. Holder
(2013) and weakened in other recent voting rights cases. Please attribute the following statement to Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund): “MALDEF welcomes and wholeheartedly supports this renewed attempt to restore critical voting rights protections for all Americans. Voting is a right of extreme importance, and we should ensure that individual states
and other government entities do not have the ability to restrict the rights of voters of color for reasons of partisan political expediency or rank racial prejudice. “This act would restore and enhance previous protections struck down by irresponsible judges and justices serving an agenda other than justice itself. MALDEF is particularly encouraged that the legislation includes
practice-based preclearance, which would ensure that newly emerging significant populations of color nationwide will be able to challenge measures with a sordid history of misuse to limit voting rights.” ### |
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Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Often described as the “law firm of the Latino community,” MALDEF promotes social change through
advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access. For more information on MALDEF, please visit:
www.maldef.org.
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Nina Perales
Vice President of Litigation
Mexican American Legal Defense
and Educational Fund, Inc. (MALDEF)
110 Broadway Suite 300
San Antonio TX 78205
ph (210) 845-5147
From:
xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org [mailto:xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org]
On Behalf Of Zaria Mariko Guignard
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:28 PM
To: xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org
Subject: Re: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
Adding Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC's statement to the mix!
For Immediate Release
CONTACT
Michelle Boykins(202) 296-2300,
ext. 0144xxxxxx@advancingjustice-aajc.org
Louise Liu(202) 657-7413xxxxxx@advancingjustice-aajc.org
Washington, D.C. – September 19. 2023 – Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC applauds the reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting
Rights Advancement Act, which would revitalize the VRA.
John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC
issued the following statement:
“We are heartened by the House’s reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
“Time and again we have called on Congress to address the disastrous Supreme Court decision in Shelby
County v. Holder. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act does exactly that by addressing the changing needs of America’s diverse population, including
the Asian American community – among the fastest growing communities in the United States – by restoring and modernizing essential provisions in the Voting Rights Act gutted by Shelby
County.
“Our freedom to vote is our most sacred and fundamental right. It is the right from which all others spring forth, allowing us to determine
the future of our communities and families, and ensure opportunities for all.
“The Voting Rights Act has a long history of support across the political spectrum, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
demands the same. We call on Congress to restore and modernize the Voting Rights Act with bipartisan support.”
###
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC has a mission to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. Visit our website
at advancingjustice-aajc.org
Zaria Mariko Guignard (she/they)
Manager of Census and Civic Engagement
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC
1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20036
T 202- 924-1305
From:
xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org> on behalf of Elias Hakim <xxxxxx@dfadcoalition.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:09 PM
To: xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org>
Subject: Re: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
External sender. Use caution opening attachments or links.
Hey all,
From:
xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org> on behalf of Darcy Hirsh <xxxxxx@interfaithalliance.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:08 PM
To: Tishan Weerasooriya <xxxxxx@standupamerica.com>
Cc: Porshalain White <xxxxxx@endcitizensunited.org>;
xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org>
Subject: Re: [Voting Rights] RE: Let's go!
Sharing Interfaith Alliance's statement too!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2023
Interfaith Alliance Proudly Supports Reintroduction of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
WASHINGTON—National interfaith advocates are calling on Congress to move swiftly to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. After Rep. Teri Sewell reintroduced the legislation today, The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith
Alliance, released the following statement:
“As the late Rep. John Lewis once said, ‘The vote is precious. It is almost sacred.’ Sadly, his vision for an America where all people – no matter who they are or who they vote for – can exercise that foundational right is under attack by extremists working
to systematically disenfranchise people of color.
“I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than to pass this crucial bill that bears his name, ensuring that every person can freely cast their vote. Those standing in the way of this legislation are not only willfully blind to the realities of voter
suppression in America, but indeed aiding and abetting pernicious efforts to take us back in time and perpetuate racial inequities.
“Over the last 10 years, the Supreme Court has systematically dismantled the Voting Rights Act of 1965, enabling state legislatures to pass dozens of laws creating barriers to vote that disproportionately impact communities of color. The bill introduced today
will restore the critical protections of that landmark legislation and ensure equal access to the ballot box for all. As an organization dedicated to building an inclusive democracy, Interfaith Alliance will continue to advocate tirelessly to make that happen.”
Interfaith Alliance is dedicated to protecting the integrity of both religion and democracy in America. As part of its mission to build a multireligious, pluralistic democracy that safeguards every American’s fundamental rights, the organization has long stood
for equal access to the ballot box and against efforts to suppress the vote and damage our democratic institutions.
The organization is a longtime supporter of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and earlier this year endorsed The Freedom to Vote Act, a critical pro-democracy bill which outlines strong provisions to expand voter access and protect our electoral
system from political interference.
On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 1:57 PM Tishan Weerasooriya <xxxxxx@standupamerica.com> wrote:
Adding Stand Up America's Statement below. Congrats all and happy reintro day!
----
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
PRESS CONTACT:
Sarah Harris, xxxxxx@standupamerica.com
STAND UP AMERICA JOINS HOUSE DEMOCRATS FOR REINTRODUCTION OF CRITICAL VOTING RIGHTS BILL
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) led the entire House Democratic Caucus in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation to restore and strengthen the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA). For 50 years, the VRA stood as a pillar protecting communities from anti-voter and discriminatory voting laws until the Supreme Court gutted the VRA in 2013, with Shelby County v. Holder. Since then, millions of voters have been purged from the rolls, strict voter ID laws have been enacted in many states, and thousands of voting locations have been closed. So far this year, state legislatures across the country have introduced nearly 400 bills restricting voter access.
Stand Up America Executive Director Christina Harvey, who will join the bill sponsors at the U.S. Capitol today, commented on the reintroduction:
“Across the country, our democracy faces a relentless barrage of attacks by anti-democratic politicians trying to restrict the freedom to vote and gain the upper hand in our elections. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act offers a necessary and resolute response to these assaults. It sends a powerful message that access to the ballot box should be unassailable and that every American's vote should be counted.
“Stand Up America applauds Congresswoman Sewell and House Democrats for reaffirming their commitment to the bedrock of our democracy: our freedom to vote.”
Stand Up America’s nearly 2 million members across the country have driven over 100,000 calls and 112,000 emails to Congress and submitted over 20,000 letters to the editors of local newspapers in the fight to pass federal voting rights legislation.
To speak with a Stand Up America representative about their work to pass federal voting rights, please don’t hesitate to reach out to xxxxxx@standupamerica.com.
###
About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with nearly two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven over 1.7 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized thousands of protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.
Website: StandUpAmerica.com
Twitter: @StandUpAmerica
Instagram: @StandUp_America
Facebook: @StandUpAmerica
On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 1:50 PM Porshalain White <xxxxxx@endcitizensunited.org> wrote:
Here's ECU/LAV's statement
For Immediate Release
September 19, 2023
Contact Bawadden SayedECU // LAV Praises Reintroduction of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
End Citizens United (ECU) // Let America Vote (LAV) Action Fund President Tiffany Muller released the following statement on the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:
“The landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history when Jim Crow laws were disenfranchising Black Americans. The VRA has been a tremendous force for good, protecting access to the ballot box and ensuring that our democracy is more inclusive and representative of the American people. But over the last 10 years, the VRA has been so severely gutted by the right-wing Supreme Court that it’s a mere shadow of its former self. It has emboldened Republican state legislators to seize the opportunity to strip away this fundamental right. In the last three years alone, over 100 restrictive voting laws passed in 33 states.
“We’re grateful for Representative Sewell’s leadership in introducing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which is a fundamental step in protecting the freedom to vote by fully restoring the power of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It will ensure that any changes to voting rules cannot discriminate against voters based on race. Without these national standards, the ability of Black and minority voters to participate in our elections will hinge on the hostile, extremist Supreme Court.
“From his historic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, to his decades of fighting for voting rights and social justice, Congressman John Lewis never gave up in the pursuit of America adhering to its core values and principles–that every American citizen’s voice deserves to be heard. Congress should honor his legacy and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to ensure that our democracy is truly representative of the American people.”
Specifically, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act by:
· Establishing new review and approval criteria for preventing racial discrimination in voting.
· Requiring federal review of specific voting practices known to have been used to discriminate against voters of color.
· Mandating greater nationwide transparency of voting law and policy changes.
· Reinforcing voters’ ability to challenge racial discrimination in court.
· Allowing voters of color to challenge voting changes that worsen their position.
· Giving the U.S. Department of Justice more authority to investigate voting rights violations.
· Expanding courts’ roles in protecting voting rights.
· Expanding the federal observer program.
On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 1:49 PM 'Marge Baker' via Voting Rights Task Force <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org> wrote:
And here’s PFAW’s statement
People For Applauds Reintroduction of John Lewis VRAA (pfaw.org)
News from People For the American Way
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 19 September 2023
Contact: Miranda Boyd, xxxxxx@pfaw.org, 202-467-2306
People For the American Way Applauds the Reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Washington D.C. – Following this week’s reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:
“The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is an essential piece of legislation that reinstates key provisions of the Voting Rights Act struck down by the Supreme Court ten years ago in their Shelby County v. Holder decision. We applaud Representative Sewell and all of the cosponsors as the VRAA is reintroduced. With more and more voter suppression laws passing in GOP-controlled states each year, it is critical that we restore the full weight and authority of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prevent egregious efforts to stifle the votes of millions of Americans across the country, particularly those of Black and Brown and other historically marginalized communities.”
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org
Marge Baker
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Executive Vice President
People For the American Way
1101 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
Office Phone: 202-467-2334
Cell: 301-910-0244
From: xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org <xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org> On Behalf Of Leslie Proll
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:28 PM
To: xxxxxx@groups.civilrightscoalition.org
Subject: [Voting Rights] Let's go!
[External]: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi, Rep. Sewell’s office just informed us that every Democrat is on the bill to be introduced today. She is going to take the bill down the floor within the hour. They are releasing their statements now and are encouraging us to do so now, too.
Thanks to everyone for their extraordinary efforts on this.
Hope to see many of you at the Supreme Court at 3:30.
Leslie
Leslie Proll (she/her)
Senior Director, Voting Rights
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
The Leadership Conference Education Fund
Building an America as good as its ideals.
PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email and any attachments may contain privileged or confidential information and is/are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized use or disclosure of this communication is prohibited. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your system.
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Porsha White
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships | End Citizens United/Let America Vote
she/her/hers
cell: 601.317.3337
address: 100 M St SE, Suite 1050 Washington DC
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