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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Charmaine Riley, riley@civilrights.org 

Democracy in Peril, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Would Provide Protection

WASHINGTON

Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement on the Senate introduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:

"For our democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all -- no matter our color, party, or zip code. That is why it is vital Congress address the Supreme Court's dangerous decision in the Shelby County case and restore the federal government's ability to stop racially discriminatory voting practices. With more than 400 bills introduced in states across the country to silence millions of voters, the Senate must move quickly to put into place a transparent process for protecting everyone's freedom to vote.

"The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would help identify barriers that could silence Black, Latino, Indigenous, young and new Americans and ensure we all have an equal say in the decisions that impact our lives. We will continue to work with the Senate to strengthen and improve this bill and restore essential provisions of the Voting Rights Act before the legislation is passed."

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. Through advocacy and outreach to targeted constituencies, The Leadership Conference works toward the goal of a more open and just society - an America as good as its ideals.

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