The Rhode Island Voting Access Coalition is pushing state lawmakers to pass a state Voting Rights Act now, due to consistent attacks on voting rights in the courts and at the federal level.  

The coalition’s push for legislation has broad, statewide support, including Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore and bill sponsors, Rhode Island Senate President Valarie Lawson and Rhode Island House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian. The coalition and bill sponsors officially kicked off their legislative push this afternoon.  

Congressman Seth Magaziner (CD-2) and Congressman Gabo Amo (CD-1) also participated in the press conference, detailing the threats to voting rights they see at the federal level.  

“Rhode Islanders cannot wait until every piece of the federal Voting Rights Act is dismantled to have their voting rights protected,” said John Marion, Common Cause’s Rhode Island Executive Director. “We need protections now so we are not hanging on every court case and every piece of federal legislation to see if we will be denied our rights.” 

“In the face of unprecedented threats that could disenfranchise millions of American voters, our state is taking action to protect Rhode Islanders’ ability to make their voices heard,” said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence). “I am incredibly proud to be sponsoring the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act, and I am grateful to Secretary Amore, Whip Kazarian, and the many other partners and supporters who are working to defend Rhode Island’s most basic rights and values.” 

“There is nothing more un-American than the suppression, obstruction of and discrimination against an individual’s right to vote for their elected leaders.  Unfortunately, leaders in Washington seem to disagree with this fundamental principle of our democracy and our voting rights are being threatened,” said House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket).  “This is why the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act is so important, because it will protect an essential pillar of our democracy here in Rhode Island against unjust and unconstitutional actions on the federal level.  Everyone deserves the right to vote without interference, and this legislation will ensure that right.” 

“It doesn’t matter your party or who you’ll vote for, whether we agree or disagree – as your Secretary of State, I am committed to doing everything I can to protect every eligible Rhode Islander’s right to vote,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “If the federal Voting Rights Act and our long-held rights are going to face attacks in Washington, DC, it’s up to us to enshrine Rhode Islanders’ rights in State law. I’m grateful for my colleagues in the General Assembly and the advocates in our communities who are fighting alongside me to pass the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act.” 

“Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy, and the federal Voting Rights Act which has helped ensure fair elections is currently under attack by deep pocketed special interests trying to pressure the Supreme Court into turning back the clock,” said Rep. Magaziner. “I am proud to support the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act, which will protect Rhode Islanders against racial gerrymandering, voter intimidation, and other attempts to undermine the democratic process even if the federal Voting Rights Act is undermined at the federal level.” 

“Creating a Rhode Island Voting Rights Act is a necessary step to protect not only Black communities, but all marginalized and historically dismissed groups,” said Shahidah Ali, Political Action Committee Chair of the Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women. “It is how we ensure that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain—and that the right to vote remains protected for generations to come.”  

“Even if you have the ability to vote, si no entiendes el idioma, no es accesible,” said Arlette Hidalgo, Women’s Policy Institute Fellow and community activist. “If you do not understand the language, it is not truly accessible.” 

The right to the ballot box is enshrined in the Constitution,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “At the federal level, Trump and Congressional Republicans are trying to implement their so-called SAVE America Act, which would wrap this fundamental right in expensive red tape and make it harder for married women, military families, and seniors to vote. I’m glad Rhode Islanders are fighting back to make sure our rights are not impinged.”