Congressman Horsford Introduces Landmark Bill to Protect the Freedom to Vote | Congressman Steven Horsford
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Congressman Horsford Introduces Landmark Bill to Protect the Freedom to Vote

August 17, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) joined Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL-07) and more than 190 members of the House to introduce H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

H.R. 4 would restore the power of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) and expand federal oversight to prevent voter discrimination and suppression. Further, the bill would allow the Department of Justice or other plaintiffs to challenge potentially discriminatory voting rules before they are implemented and proactively protect the freedom to vote.

"Every American deserves a voice in our elections. I'm proud that Nevada has been a leader in expanding voting rights, but our progress should not be an outlier," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "Since the Supreme Court's disastrous Shelby County v. Holder ruling, state legislatures across the country have enacted a slew of voter suppression laws targeting young voters and people of color. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act will strengthen protections against voter discrimination, honor the heroes who fought for voting rights, and ensure that our elections reflect the will of the people."

The VRA requires states with a history of discriminatory voting laws to seek federal preclearance before making changes to election laws. In the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4(b) of the VRA, which outlined the qualifications that determine which states are required to pre-clear their election changes. Last month, the Supreme Court's conservative majority upheld Arizona's discriminatory anti-voter laws, which disproportionately target Latino voters and other voters of color.

Following these Supreme Court rulings, state legislatures have rushed to enact laws that undermine the freedom to vote. This year alone, lawmakers in 49 states have introduced more than 400 bills restricting access to the ballot box. H.R. 4 will protect our democracy by preventing this voter suppression and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the political process.

To read a summary of H.R. 4, click here.

Media Contact
Geneva Kropper | Geneva.Kropper@mail.house.gov | 202-849-0251