Recently, CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) recognized the 51st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and called upon House Republicans to support legislation that would restore the right to vote for all Americans.
“As we commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, members of the Congressional Black Caucus call upon our House Republican colleagues to support bipartisan legislation to fully restore the protections of the VRA,” said Butterfield. “The VRA is the most successful piece of civil rights legislation in our country’s history. Yet, in the more than three years since the Supreme Court’s ruling in Shelby County v. Holder, we have witnessed a series of coordinated attacks on voting rights in states across the country.
“On this 51st anniversary, let’s recommit to our work to restore the VRA and pass legislation that will expand access to the ballot box for millions of Americans. It is up to each of us, as members of Congress, to ensure the path to participate in our country’s democratic process remains clear and unfettered for all individuals once and for all.”
Three years ago, in Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court invalidated a key component of the VRA that prevented discrimination before it occurred. Since then, new restrictions have been put in place in 22 states – 18 of them Republican led –since 2010, making it harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote.