The Michigan Democratic Party released the following statement on behalf of Chair Lavora Barnes on the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
“Fifty-five years ago today the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Often described as the most successful piece of civil rights legislation, it provided nationwide protection for voting rights for every American. Seven years ago, the Supreme Court gutted that law.
Congress and specifically, the U.S. Senate, have an opportunity to right this wrong, and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This bill, named after the civil rights icon, provides the necessary tools to address discriminatory practices in voting and will protect every American’s right to vote. By not moving this legislation, Mitch McConnell and the Republican-led Senate are once again standing in the way of progress and engaging in one of the worst forms of government sanctioned voter suppression.
John Lewis made it clear before his death that the passage of this legislation was important, not just to him, but to the future of democracy in America. Mitch McConnell cannot claim to honor the life of John Lewis while standing in the way of his life’s work.”
