Freedom To Vote John R Lewis Act

John Lewis Voting Rights Act: Restoring Voting Protections

Restoring Key Provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, also known as HR 4, is a proposed bill that aims to restore and strengthen the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) that were weakened or overturned by the Supreme Court.

Key Provisions of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would:

• Reestablish the preclearance requirement for certain jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination in voting.
• Update the coverage formula to identify jurisdictions that must obtain preclearance before making changes to their voting laws or procedures.
• Expand federal oversight of voter list maintenance and other election administration practices.

Importance of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act

The restoration of the Voting Rights Act's key provisions is crucial to protect the voting rights of marginalized communities, including racial minorities, in jurisdictions that have historically engaged in discriminatory voter suppression tactics.

By restoring preclearance, expanding federal oversight, and updating the coverage formula, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would significantly reduce the risk of discriminatory voting practices and ensure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans.