To: Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-3)
Representative Erik Paulsen: Support VOTING RIGHTS ACT
Last year, the Supreme Court gutted the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. Since then, new laws that would restrict exactly what the Voting Rights Act was meant to protect have been implemented. Many states mobilized efforts to disenfranchise voters, especially elderly, people of color, and women.
We now have a chance to correct that.
Recently, Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and John Conyers (D-MI), and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced new legislation—the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014—that would strengthen the Voting Rights Act. This bill is the best vehicle we currently have. Even though it doesn't protect against voter ID laws, it is a beginning.
Rep. Paulsen, please become a sponsor.
We now have a chance to correct that.
Recently, Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and John Conyers (D-MI), and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced new legislation—the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014—that would strengthen the Voting Rights Act. This bill is the best vehicle we currently have. Even though it doesn't protect against voter ID laws, it is a beginning.
Rep. Paulsen, please become a sponsor.
Why is this important?
The Voting Rights Act is one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation Congess has ever passed. Last year's Supreme Court decision weakened critical provisions of it. Congress can restore those protections by passing this important bill.
Representative Paulsen: support this effort by cosponsoring and fighting for a strong bill.
Representative Paulsen: support this effort by cosponsoring and fighting for a strong bill.