Major Voting Rights Bill Blocked

National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036 

Major Voting Rights Bill Blocked  

WASHINGTON – Just a month after debate was blocked on the Freedom to Vote Act, another essential piece of voting rights legislation — the bipartisan John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act — was also prevented from moving to debate. National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan released the following statement: 

“Without access to the ballot, we cannot elect lawmakers who represent our communities and respond to our needs. The Supreme Court has greatly weakened the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act over the past decade, and as a result, states across the country have passed dozens of laws making it more difficult to vote, particularly for communities of color, minority-language speakers, low-income voters, elderly and young voters, women, transgender individuals, and voters with disabilities. 

“The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which passed the House of Representatives in August, would restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act and has bipartisan support in the Senate. National Council of Jewish Women urges the Senate not to let partisan politics and procedural barriers stand in the way of realizing the promise of our democracy.”

# # # 

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, education, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.