When the 89th Congress passed the Voting Rights Act on Aug. 6, 1965, a new chapter of American democracy was born. Upon its enactment, what was seemingly the last great challenge to Americans’ fundamental rights was broken down.
With multiple amendments to strengthen its provision over the ensuing decades, the act significantly increased voter turnout in minority communities across the country, outlawing the prejudiced, discriminatory practices that sought to disenfranchise millions of Americans. As an African American pastor and a public servant in Virginia for over two decades, I can attest that this legislation speaks to the best of America.
But in time, even our oldest ghosts catch up to us. The 2013 Supreme Court case Shelby v. Holder weakened critical protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to maintain fair access to the ballot box. Less than a decade later, the act took another blow from a separate Supreme Court case, Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee, overturning a provision that blocked voting practices that discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership in a language minority group.
But what those seeking to undermine our rights don’t understand is that despite all the setbacks we may face, American democracy prevails time and again. As we have done throughout our country’s history, we will not stop fighting until our democracy is as strong, inclusive, and fair as it ought to be. This all starts with two vital pieces of legislation, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.
This first piece of this legislative package, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, strengthens and restores the sections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been depleted by partisan attempts to hold onto power. This bill brings our democracy closer to the people it serves, ensuring that all Americans can identify and act against discriminatory practices with the full protections afforded by our Constitution.
Likewise, the Freedom to Vote Act would put an end to anti-voter practices like partisan gerrymandering while enhancing voters’ access to the ballot box and improving transparency in our elections. Altogether, this package reestablishes the covenant between our government and the American people, one where democracy does not care about your race or where you live; it’s simply about the voice you bring to the table.
Thankfully, our two U.S. senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, have been tremendous supporters. As the 119th Congress is sworn into office in January, it’s crucial that the rest of Virginia’s congressional delegation follow our Senate leadership by fighting to enact this legislation. Virginians are counting on them.
Sherman Lea is mayor of Roanoke.
