Congresswoman Adams Marks 51st Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, by Urging House Republicans to Strengthen Our Democracy by Restoring the Voting Rights Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today marks the 51st anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder invalidated a key component in the Voting Rights Act, which protects voters from discrimination. Since that decision, advocates for the Voting Rights Act have called on Republicans in Congress to allow a vote on bipartisan legislation to restore key provisions of this important law. New restrictions have been put in place in 22 states – 18 of them Republican led–since 2010, making it harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote. North Carolina is one of the first out of these 22 states to have its voter restrictions overturned by 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for its disproportionate and discriminate impact on North Carolina voters.
“The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Many before us made great sacrifices to see this crucial piece of legislation signed into law. The fact that Congress has turned its back on their sacrifices and failed to restore the Voting Rights Act is a travesty. The recent enactment and subsequent overruling of North Carolina's voter restrictive laws is a reminder of the need to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act. As entrusted representatives it's our responsibility to uphold and to protect the scared right to vote. Congress should act swiftly to restore the Voting Rights Act.”