Demos Applauds Passage of The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Urges Action from Senate

In response to the House of Representatives passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Demos  — a think tank that powers the movement for a just, inclusive multiracial democracy  — issued the following statement:

“During a time of grave danger for voting rights, the House of Representatives has stood up for American democracy and passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act -- bringing us one step closer to safeguarding the right to vote for Black and brown Americans. The Senate must now do the same.

“Since its 2013 decision in Shelby v. Holder, the Supreme Court repeatedly has acted to roll back voting rights. The voter suppression efforts that are now commonplace across the country are direct byproducts of this utter disregard for the rights of the American public. Our status quo of 12-hour lines, mass closures of polling places, and voter purges that disenfranchise millions of Black, brown, immigrant, and young voters simply is unacceptable. 

“In the face of a once-in-a-century pandemic and racist voter suppression, Black and brown Americans raised their voices and cast their votes in 2020. It’s no coincidence that more than 400 voter suppression bills — 30 of which have become law — immediately followed.

“Creating a just, equitable multiracial democracy requires actively working to ensure all Americans can vote. In addition to the For the People Act and D.C statehood, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is a critical democracy reform bill that will move us toward that ideal. The Senate must now do what it takes to take up and pass this critical bill.”