Congress Must Deliver Democracy Reform with the For the People Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kiren Marshall, [email protected], 202.780.9835
WASHINGTON – LaShawn Warren, executive vice president of government affairs at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued this statement following the introduction of democracy reform package H.R. 1 – the For the People Act:
“The historic turnout in the 2020 election demonstrates the resiliency and determination of American voters even during a global pandemic. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, some states eliminated barriers to the ballot by expanding vote-by-mail programs and early voting, but these changes should be made permanent. Far too many voters continue to face challenges and more reforms are needed.
“The For the People Act is a significant step forward for transforming our democracy by expanding access to voting, taking big money out of politics, and cleaning up corruption in government. H.R. 1, together with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act that restores the critical protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act stripped away in 2013, will move us closer to ending discriminatory voting practices against communities of color. Our democracy works best when everyone participates, and Congress must pass both bills to ensure that everyone can.”
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.