Background
The late Congressman John Lewis once stated, “The right to vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool or instrument in a democratic society. We must use it.”
In the national, state, and local elections held since Congressman Lewis’ death, millions of citizens from across the country have exercised this precious right, in some cases at historic levels, even in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic. For its part, the charitable sector has played a key role in encouraging and helping communities participate in the voting process, uplifting the importance of active civic engagement.
A strong democracy thrives when all can participate in this sacred act, unencumbered. And while participation in voting has increased, we have also seen systemic inequities in electoral processes and in laws passed making it more difficult for some Americans, specifically voters of color, to vote. While America has made strides in the past to rectify racial discrimination, these intentionally restrictive voting laws represent a shift backward in our quest for equity and justice for all.
Legislation
Recently, House and Senate Democrats reintroduced the Freedom to Vote Act. If passed, Democrats say the bill would help expand voter access, support local election workers, and limit the influence of dark money and partisan gerrymandering on elections. The bills are designated S 1, the highest legislative priority in the Senate, and HR 11, the highest legislative priority for the minority party in the House.
In September 2023, Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), ranking member of the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections, was joined by every House Democrat in introducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. In March 2024, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and every Senate Democrat reintroduced the bill in the upper chamber.
The Forum supported this legislation during the 117th Congress and will continue to lead advocacy efforts in support of voting rights legislation during the current Congress.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore the strength of the 1965 Voting Rights Act by requiring jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination in voting to receive approval from the Department of Justice before making changes to their voting rules. This provision was eliminated by the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder.
Passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would also establish a more transparent and accountable system for states to report election law changes, ensuring that voters of color who remain the targets of voter suppression have fair and unrestricted access to the democratic process.
Congressman Lewis dedicated his life to advancing civil and human rights for all Americans, recognizing injustices when he saw them and calling them out. "Since the Shelby decision, voter discrimination is on the rise," Lewis said in a press release in August 2018. "Thousands of people of color are being systematically denied access to the ballot box, many of whom have voted all their lives."
Talking Points
- All of us working in the charitable sector know that the well-being of all Americans, and all communities, is inextricably linked to their ability to exercise their right to vote. We support the reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and we urge Congress to pass the legislation.
- A strong democracy thrives when all can participate in this sacred act, unencumbered. And while participation in voting has increased, we have also seen systemic inequities in electoral processes and in laws passed making it more difficult for some Americans, specifically voters of color, to vote. While America has made strides in the past to rectify racial discrimination, these intentionally restrictive voting laws represent a shift backward in our quest for equity and justice for all.
- Per Nonprofit VOTE, Active civic engagement, including voting, contributes to the health and economic vitality of local communities served by nonprofits and foundations, which in turn supports these organizations’ social missions and goals. People who vote are more likely to connect with neighbors, communicate with elected officials, and engage civically in other ways.
