NAACP Applauds Reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2025
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL) reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to Congress just days ahead of the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Selma March. The protest, co-led by the late Rep. John Lewis, resulted in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The bill aims to revitalize the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – which was eroded by the Supreme Court in 2013 – through the expansion of the governmental ability to address voting discrimination nationwide.
NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, shared the following statement:
"The NAACP strongly supports Rep. Terri Sewell's reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We must protect one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy: the right to elect our leaders to govern on our behalf. All across the country, Black Americans' right to vote is under attack as states continue to pass voter suppression laws, and we will not stand for it.
Every voice matters. Every vote counts. But without strong protections in place, access to the ballot box is at risk. Together, we can strengthen protections against voter suppression and discrimination. We urge our leaders to safeguard our democracy and act swiftly to adopt this legislation."
The NAACP has been a fervent supporter of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act since its initial introduction. If passed, the bill would advance key voting rights provisions by offering protections against;
- Vote dilution,
- Vote denial or abridgment,
- Retrogression,
- Violations of the 14th or 15th Amendment,
- Changes through redistricting,
- Changes that reduce voting opportunities & more.
Last year, the NAACP litigated in over a dozen voting rights cases across the country, further establishing our dedication to election protection. We will continue to work toward a democracy that is inclusive of us all.
For more information on the NAACP's fight against the dismantling of our democracy, visit our website.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.