1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is crucial legislation that would restore vital protections against discriminatory voting policies and practices. Since the Supreme Court gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act in 2013, a wave of suppressive state laws have made it harder for people of color to vote. At least 31 states have passed 115 restrictive voting laws, with the racial turnout gap growing almost twice as fast in areas previously subject to federal oversight. This bill would modernize the Voting Rights Act for the 21st century. It would require federal approval for voting changes in states with recent histories of discrimination, stopping harmful policies before they take effect. It would also revitalize the ability to challenge discriminatory laws in court by restoring fair rules that were skewed against voters of color. With widespread public support and a long bipartisan tradition, this Act represents the best path forward to protect the freedom to vote for all Americans.