On 55th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act, We Must Be Vigilant

Today marks the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson to remove obstacles and restrictions that made it harder for African-Americans to vote.

As we mark this historic achievement, we are facing the most important election of our lifetimes. The COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging our country, and Americans are demanding justice for Black lives and for stronger rights to join a union, but the Republican politicians in power are failing to act to provide relief to Americans who are struggling. We need to make sure that everyone is able to vote safely. Many states are implementing plans to make voting by mail more accessible. In response, GOP politicians see this as an opportunity to gut the USPS to try to rig these elections.

We must honor the distinguished memory of Congressman John Lewis and the values he fought so bravely for by making sure that our country has safe and accessible elections in 2020. Nobody should have to choose between their health and casting their vote. Congress must allocate funding for safe elections to ensure that every American can safely vote this year.