America Votes President Greg Speed issued the following statement on the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965:

“On this day in 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law, enacting one of the most powerful victories of the civil rights movement and enshrining protections that millions of Americans had fought and died for—the right to vote, free from discrimination. 

“For many, the United States only became a true democracy upon enactment of the Voting Rights Act and antidemocratic forces have been attacking it ever since. The right-wing activist Roberts Court has repeatedly weakened or struck down crucial provisions of this act, including in the unconscionable ruling in Shelby v. Holder. States have passed onerous voter ID laws, limited polling hours, and restricted polling locations making it more difficult to vote. Additionally, states have adopted gerrymandered maps that dilute the power of voters of color whom Congress passed the VRA to protect. Even in its most recent term, the Supreme Court continues to hear cases brought by this administration which seek to overturn the safeguards meant to ensure that every voter has access to the ballot and that every vote is counted.

“The attacks on the VRA are an assault on democracy itself. While some protections remain in place—thanks to relentless organizing and legal battles—this moment demands more than defense. It demands forceful action. It demands that we not only preserve what remains of the VRA, but restore it to its full power and expand it to meet the threats of this century.

“America Votes and our allies are committed to restoring democracy by fighting to restore and expand the Voting Rights Act. Every day we’re seeing how the steady erosion of voting rights over the past decade has now put all of our rights at tremendous risk. It’s now clear that voting rights must be at the very top of the agenda in the next Congress.

“On this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the fight: to organize, to protect, and to elect champions who will restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act and build a democracy where every American can cast their vote freely, fairly, and without obstruction.”

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America Votes works year-round to build a more representative democracy. We are the central coordination hub of the progressive community across the country, working with more than 400 state and national partner organizations to advance progressive policies, win elections in key states, and protect every American’s right to vote.