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(Washington, D.C.) – The For the People Act was introduced in the Senate today, another step forward for a bill that would expand voter access and enfranchise millions of Americans. The following is a statement from Damon Hewitt, acting president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:  

“The For the People Act will significantly increase access to the ballot box, helping communities of color, senior citizens, young people, people with disabilities and other communities have their voice heard.  This bill includes numerous provisions, such as requiring early voting locations to be near public transportation and requiring states to provide opportunities to register on the same day as an election, which will eliminate modern forms of pernicious voter suppression that disproportionately affect our most disadvantaged citizens. This legislation also will push back against the unprecedented number of anti-democratic proposals in state legislatures that aim to restrict voting access.     

“While the Senate is debating this bill, it is imperative that both houses of Congress also take action to restore the Voting Rights Act through legislation. Together with the For the People Act, a restored Voting Rights Act will protect communities of color from policies designed to dilute the votes of people of color and ensure that people of color can elect the candidate of their choice.”   

“Democracy only thrives when people have a meaningful opportunity to participate and an equal opportunity to cast their ballot.  By taking these steps to promote ballot access, the fabric of our nation will be strengthened, and our governmental institutions can truly be representative of the electorate.”  

 

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About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of voting rights, criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and hate crimes.  For more information, please visit https://lawyerscommittee.org.