CAPAC Members Commemorate the 58th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today marks the 58th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). This law protects the right to vote by prohibiting racial discrimination at the ballot box.

CAPAC Members released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28)

“Today, we celebrate 58 years since President Johnson signed the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law. This monumental law was a result of courageous and tireless advocacy of countless individuals, including the late John Lewis and hundreds of other unarmed men and women who marched from Selma to Montgomery to call for the right to vote. They were met with violence, prejudice, and hate, but these civil rights activists continued the push for equality. Because of their sacrifice and perseverance, the historic Voting Rights Act was passed and for decades, this law was reauthorized in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner and ensured that Americans of all backgrounds had equal access to the ballot box.

“However, the Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision a decade ago  gutted several of the VRA’s key provisions, and efforts to disenfranchise communities of color, including AANHPI communities, have intensified since. So as we commemorate the 58th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, we must also renew our unrelenting commitment to restore dignity to our electoral process and protect the right to vote for all Americans, including through passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06)

“Today we commemorate the 58th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the historic civil rights legislation that safeguarded the right to vote for all Americans and marked a crucial milestone in our ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Although this law empowered millions of African Americans in our democracy 58 years ago, voting rights continue to be under assault. The Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision dealt a significant blow to the progress we’ve made since 1965, disproportionately hindering communities of color from accessing the ballot box. Today, at least 20 states implement voter suppression laws meant to disenfranchise minority communities. Now more than ever, we must honor the legacy of the Voting Rights Act by continuing our fight against restrictive voter laws that violate the freedom to vote.”

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39)

"Today marks 58 years since the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This watershed legislation protects the right to vote for all Americans regardless of race. As this anniversary approaches, we are reminded of the precarious state of voting rights in this country and the somber reality of now navigating an unpredictable Supreme Court. We cannot continue to rely on the Court to determine who ultimately has access to the ballot box; instead, Congress must pass additional legislation to restore protections and fight back against efforts to disenfranchise voters of color." 

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36)

“Tomorrow is the 58th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which served to affirm and protect the Constitutional right to vote of all Americans, including racial minorities. As one of the most important pieces of legislation ever signed into law, the Voting Rights Act remains central to our nation’s democratic ideals. Its importance is underscored by the recent attacks on Americans’ access to the ballot box. Across 32 states, over 150 bills attacking the right to vote have been introduced. These restrictions would disproportionately disenfranchise voters of color. I’ll continue to push for the passage of bills like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would ensure the Justice Department’s civil rights division examines new state and local laws targeting voting accessibility. Together, we must fight to protect the bedrock of our democracy, the right to vote, and ensure that every voice is heard.”

Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03)

“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. For the last 58 years, the Voting Rights Act has protected that fundamental right. Unfortunately, as we mark this anniversary, we must recognize that the right to vote is under attack. In 2013, the Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder gutted important provisions of the law that required states with a long history of discrimination to pre-clear any changes to their voting and election laws with the federal government. The Shelby County decision has paved the way for a wave of voter suppression laws throughout the country in response to the Big Lie and misinformation about the 2020 election. Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act in order to protect access to the ballot box for everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live.”

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ)

“Every day, I am reminded that we drink deeply from wells of freedom that we ourselves did not dig and of how much progress we have made in advancing liberty and justice since our country’s founding. However, I am troubled by continued efforts across our country to roll back provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which plays a crucial role in protecting voters and prohibiting discrimination at the polls. From laws that would create additional barriers to the ballot box to laws that prevent formerly incarcerated people from exercising their rights, we still have work ahead of us to protect and advance our democracy. We owe it to those who bravely fought and lost their lives to make our Nation a more perfect Union, and I am committed to advancing and protecting the legacy of the Voting Rights Act.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33)

“At a time when MAGA extremists are working to restrict voting rights and disenfranchise voters, the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act is a reminder of the painful sacrifices civil rights leaders and activists made that led to its passage and the importance of defending this hard-fought progress. I will continue to fiercely protect voting rights in our country and ensure every American has a voice in our democracy.”

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Voting is one of the most sacred rights we have in this country and we must protect it as such. As we take a moment to commemorate nearly 60 years of the Voting Rights Act, our work to strengthen the law and dismantle systemic voter suppression for our most vulnerable communities, including for our Black, brown, and AAPI neighbors, remain a priority. So like the long line of civil rights giants who’ve come before us, we won’t stop fighting."