The bill would also restore voters ability to challenge laws, such as those related redistricting or onerous voter ID requirements that could be discriminatory. The John Lewis bill is an attempt by lawmakers to find a formula for preclearance that would survive an even more conservative court. More: Activists working in John Lewis' shadow warn about voter suppression ahead of November vote The court did not rule that the requirement itself was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court in striking down that portion of the Voting Rights Act said the formula to determine which jurisdictions needed preclearance was outdated. In this March 7, 1965, file photo, a state trooper swings a billy club at John Lewis, right foreground, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, to break up a civil rights voting march in Selma, Ala.

The legislation up for a vote Wednesday seeks to bring back the preclearance requirementeither from the Justice Department or federal courts, before those states can making changes to election processes. More: 5 things that could decide Virginia election (and 2022): Biden, Trump, culture wars and more In 2013, the high court ruled that states no longer had to comply with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which required some states and municipalities with a history of discriminatory voting laws to obtain federal “preclearance” before enacting changes to voting laws or practices. About the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Actĭemocrats, who control both chambers of Congress, are seeking to restore protections for voting rights they contend have eroded since the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and were further scaled back by the Supreme Court in 2013. The legislation passed the House in August 219-212 along party lines. John Lewis, a civil-rights icon – drew little support from Senate Republicans. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act– named for the late Democratic Rep. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday that 'across the country, we are witnessing a coordinated assault on the right to vote and even on how elections are conducted, tallied, and potentially decided, a true threat to the ultimate foundation of our democracy.' ‘A new American fault line’: How new election laws will make it harder for 55 million to vote In total, about 55 million eligible voters live in states with changes that will give them less access. More: Voting rights and election reform: Senate Republicans block latest legislationĭemocrats have been pushing to pass new voting legislation as several states pursued new restrictions after the 2020 election.Ī USA TODAY analysis of 254 new laws in 45 states passed since then revealed a variety of changes voters may notice and other administrative changes happening behind the scenes. That was also blocked by Republicans with the filibuster. The vote Wednesday came nearly two weeks after Democratic leadership in the upper chamber attempted to advance another piece of voting rights legislation. 'I think we should be able to agree to meaningful improvements that will help ensure that all our elections are free, they're fair, and they're accessible,' Murkowski said. Speaking from the Senate floor prior to the vote, she said while she had 'reservations' on the legislation, she believed it was the best starting point to begin debating voting rights legislation. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican who supported proceeding to debate. The bill did not receive the 60 votes needed to overcome a legislative hurdle called a filibuster, preventing the start of debate on the legislation. Supreme Court struck down in 2013 and would aim to restore Justice Department review of changes in election law in states with a history of discrimination.

The legislation would replace part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that the U.S. WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats failed to advance the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act on Wednesday after Republicans blocked the vote from advancing to debate.

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