Honoring 60 Years of the Voting Rights Act

This year, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the monumental Voting Rights Act (VRA), a pivotal moment in U.S. history. It was a time when the nation took significant strides towards ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race, had access to the ballot box.

The VRA: A Historic Response to Voter Suppression

The VRA was a direct response to the widespread disenfranchisement of Black voters through practices like literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory tactics. It was a law that changed lives, allowing ordinary Americans to exercise their right to vote without fear or discrimination. The VRA was officially signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965.

The Fight for Voting Rights Continues

Yet, the battle for voting rights rages on. As we mark this significant milestone, we are starkly reminded that communities of color still confront substantial barriers to fully engaging in the democratic process. Despite the VRA’s intent to eliminate these barriers, voters in marginalized communities continue to encounter suppression and hurdles at the polls. This persistent injustice underscores the unmet promise of the VRA, underscoring that the fight for voting rights is far from over.

Setbacks to the Voting Rights Act

In the years since its passage, the VRA has faced serious setbacks. One of the most damaging was the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which gutted the heart of the law by striking down the formula that determined which states and localities needed preclearance before changing voting laws. Since then, states with a history of voter discrimination have enacted new voter suppression tactics, such as voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and the purging of voter rolls.

Our Work to Protect Voting Rights

At Common Cause, we are at the forefront of the fight to protect and expand voting rights across the nation. As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to creating a democracy that works for everyone, this issue is at the heart of our mission. Our team has been a relentless advocate for voter protection, particularly for marginalized communities, by pushing for reforms like automatic voter registration, combating voter suppression, and advocating for policies that make voting more accessible.

Why the Voting Rights Act Still Matters

The promise of the Voting Rights Act remains unfulfilled for too many Americans, and it is not enough on its own to guarantee the promise of democracy. Common Cause remains dedicated to fighting these injustices. To restore the full protections of the VRA, we must advocate for new federal legislation that expands access to the ballot box and prevents further erosion of voting rights.

Join Us in the Fight for a Stronger Democracy

This anniversary serves as a reminder that we must not become complacent. The right to vote is under constant threat. That’s why Common Cause is calling for:

• A restoration of the full protections of the VRA by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
• The Freedom to Vote Act: A renewed push for federal voting rights legislation
• Action to remove modern barriers to the polls
• Greater transparency and accountability in election administration.

As we commemorate six decades of the Voting Rights Act, we hold onto the hope that our nation will make tangible progress through the power of the people. With the combined force of grassroots activism, legislative advocacy, and legal action, we can inch closer to a future where every eligible American can exercise their right to vote without hindrance.

Now is the time to act. Join us in the fight for voting rights by:

• Advocating for grassroots efforts to ensure equitable access to the polls for everyone.
• Mobilisierung for fair elections where every voice is heard.
• Pushing for federal voting rights protections to stop voter suppression.
• Supporting us in our effort to restore the full power of the VRA.

Together, we can ensure the promise of the Voting Rights Act becomes a reality for all Americans.