Washington, DC – On the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act becoming law, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet cosponsored the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) of 2015 to restore and advance voting protections for all Americans.
Two years since the U.S. Supreme Court gutted core protections in the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder, several states and localities throughout the country have passed laws that disproportionately suppress the voting rights of minorities. These laws have limited many Americans’ ability to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
“Our country’s form of government is defined by our fundamental right and responsibility to vote,” Bennet said. “Our laws should not only protect every eligible voter’s right to cast their ballot, but they should encourage more people to participate by making the process simpler. Our government is stronger when everyone’s voice is heard, and this bill helps make that possible.”
Protections under the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015 will extend to all voters nationwide. The legislation targets certain voting practices known to suppress the voting rights of minorities. The bill is the result of collaboration with grassroots groups who have witnessed the harmful effects that discriminatory voting laws have had in their communities.
An outline of the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015 can be found here, and a sectional analysis can be found here. Text of legislation can also be found online.
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