House Democrats push to introduce John Lewis voting rights bill within weeks
Speaking on the 56th anniversary of the signing of the original Voting Rights Act, House Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) announced plans to introduce a revised version of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. “Hopefully we can get it introduced during a pro forma session during the month of August,” Butterfield said. But, failing that, Butterfield claimed he could “anticipate reasonably that we may be able to vote on this during the week of September 2.” “But,” the Congressman added, “that is not my
Democratic state legislators form voting rights council amid GOP push for restrictions
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is assembling Democratic state legislators across the country in order to form a “voting rights council.” The intention of the council is to build strategies against a wave of Republican-backed bills that could reduce voter access and turnout. DLCC President Jessica Post says that “Republicans’ embrace of voter suppression is an existential threat to the future of our democracy.” The co-chairs of the new voting rights council will be Michigan Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and Nevada Assembly
New York legislature passes bill restoring voting rights to those on parole
The New York State Assembly has passed a bill to restore voting rights to parolees immediately upon their release from prison. According to the bill’s sponsor, “
Montana Democrats sue over new voting laws
Hours after Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed into law two new bills to increase eligibility requirements for voters, state Democrats filed suit on the grounds that both bills violate Montana’s Constitution. Democrats argue that the bills create undue burdens which will disproportionately harm the rights of vulnerable groups, such as students, the elderly, and indigenous communities. House Bill 175 will disallow voters from registering on election day. Senate Bill 169 will alter which forms of identification are accepted as well as require some voters
Progressive groups announce $30M voting rights effort
Let America Vote, End Citizens United, and the National Democratic Redistricting Committee announced that they are launching a $30 million campaign to persuade the Senate to pass H.R. 1, a major elections and ethics reform bill passed by the House of Representatives in early March. The groups plan to spend $20 million on ads to persuade voters, and the remaining $10 million on outreach to legislators and activists. H.R. 1 is unlikely to pass without changing the Senate’s filibuster rules, specifically by allowing bills