ACLU Comment on the Senate's Failure to Advance the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act

WASHINGTON — Today the vote to end debate on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act failed to pass the Senate.

Christopher Anders, ACLU federal policy director, said:

“Although the Senate failed to advance the Freedom to Vote: John Lewis Voting Rights Act, Senators in support of federal voting rights legislation cannot give up. This legislation would continue the work of the Voting Rights Act in rooting out voting barriers that discriminate against voters of color. Throughout history, support for the Voting Rights Act has been bipartisan and decisive.”

“Senate leaders have to figure out how to get this bill passed. It is not okay to have a majority of the Senate supporting voting rights, but then have archaic rules used to block it from becoming law. Given the attacks on our democracy in the last year and upcoming elections in November, this bill must be on President Biden’s desk. The Senate must continue the push to remove any and all obstacles preventing this bill from being signed into law.”