FairVote Applauds Bipartisan Effort to Upgrade the VRA

by Rob Richie // Published January 17, 2014

Yesterday, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to give new life to the Voting Rights Act after the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the law last June. The bill creates a new coverage formula under Section 4, which, though not perfect, is a clear step in the right direction. Additionally, the bill includes a requirement that jurisdictions in all 50 states notify local media of any procedures relating to redistricting, voting law changes within 120 days of a federal election, and the moving of a polling place, an innovative policy to increase transparency in voting across the country.

FairVote joins a chorus of organizations and analysts supporting this bipartisan legislation. We were impressed by the range of thoughtful statements and commentaries that have been issued in the wake of the bill's introduction. Below you will find a number of examples.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights: Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Bipartisan Voting Rights Amendment Act Introduction

ACLU: Bill Not Perfect, But Big Step in Right Direction

Advancement Project: Voting Rights Act Amendment a Significant Step; Concerns Remain

African American Ministers in Action: Applauds Introduction of VRA Legislation

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC): Advancing Justice-AAJC Applauds Voting Rights Act Update, Looks Forward to Working with Congress to Ensure Robust Protections for Language-Minority Voters

Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF): AALDEF Applauds Bipartisan Bill to Modernize the Voting Rights Act

Bend the Arc Jewish Action: Common Sense Fixes in New Legislation an Important Step to Creating a "VRA for Today"

Brennan Center for JusticeVoting Rights Act Bill: Critical First Step to Improve Elections

Campaign Legal Center: Bipartisan Voting Rights Bill an Important First Step in Undoing Damage Done by Supreme Court in Shelby County

Common Cause: Bipartisan update of the Voting Rights Act goes a long way toward ensuring that every citizen has a clear path to the ballot box.

Fair Elections Legal Network: Congressional Legislation to Restore the Voting Right Act is a Proactive Step to Reinstate Safeguards for Voters

Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA): Applauds Bipartisan VRA Legislation

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights under Law: Commends House on Bipartisan Effort to Protect Voters' Rights Although Areas for Improvement Remain

Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF)Welcomes Introduction of Bipartisan Voting Rights Bills, Seeks Necessary Improvement

League of Women Voters: Introduction of Voting Rights Amendment Act in House Meaningful Step

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: Congress's Swift, Bipartisan Effort Responds to Supreme Court's Shelby vs. Holder Decision

National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO): Lawmakers take important step in moving Voting Rights Act legislation; Organization looks forward to working with Congress to strengthen protections for Latino voters

National Association of Social Workers: Applauds Congress on Bipartisan Voting Rights Bill

National Council of Jewish Women: Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Voting Rights Legislation

National Urban League: Applauds Introduction of Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014

People for the American Way: PFAW Praises Introduction of VRA Legislation

Project Vote: Project Vote Applauds Introduction of Bi-partisan Bill to Restore the Protections of the Voting Rights Act

SEIU: Voting Rights Bill Good First Step, Concerns Remain Over Voter ID

To learn more about how you can support this important legislation, visit VRA Today. To learn more about what you can do in your community to uphold voting rights and increase voter turnout, join FairVote's Promote Our Vote campaign.