John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Blocked in Senate

(Washington, D.C., November 3, 2021) Today, the Senate minority blocked consideration of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and expand the 1965 Voting Rights Act. This bill would protect the public’s access to fair elections, and ensure our democracy works for everyone — especially for communities of color which historically carry the heaviest burden of pollution, environmental disaster and barriers to voting.

EDF Action Senior Vice President of Political Affairs Elizabeth Gore released the following statement:

“We must have a democracy that works for everyone; ensuring that every voice is heard, and every vote is counted. And to do this we must restore and expand the full force of the Voting Rights Act with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which is critical in preventing changes to voting rules that would discriminate against voters based on race or background.

“The Voting Rights Act has a long history of support from both Democrats and Republicans, and we were pleased to see efforts to advance this legislation in a bipartisan manner. But we are disappointed and dismayed that a minority of the Senate continues to block bills on voting rights. We will not stop fighting to strengthen our democracy - make voting more inclusive, accessible and equitable for all - by urging our leaders to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.”