NAACP Supports Reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA) to Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2025

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON —  Today, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) hosted a press conference at the U.S. Capitol where they announced the reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA) to Congress just days ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, shared the following statement:

"Sixty years ago, our nation took a bold step toward justice by passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today, that progress is under siege. We applaud and fully support Senators Durbin and Warnock's introduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to help protect the sacred right to vote. All over the United States, we continue to see coordinated attacks on access to the ballot, especially in Black and Brown communities. Today, we see in real time how important the restoration of preclearance is to protecting Black and other minority voting populations. We owe it to the legacy of John Lewis and the countless advocates who fought so we could vote. Congress must work to pass this bill. The integrity of our democracy and the voice of every voter are at stake."

The NAACP has been a faithful supporter of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act since its initial introduction. For more information on the NAACP's work to protect 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.