Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democrats met with leading voting rights advocates from across the country to discuss the importance of protecting voting rights in America. Senate Democrats reiterated the significance of preserving our fundamental freedom and also discussed the urgency of the Senate Voting Rights Amendment Act. With the upcoming midterm election rapidly approaching, there is still great uncertainty about voting laws in a number of states. After the Supreme Court struck down the preclearance provisions of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby v. Holder, a number of partisan state legislatures enacted laws to make it more difficult for citizens to exercise their right to vote.

“We have a great group of leaders here today with very broad experiences from educators to advocates to litigators. Your efforts are essential to making sure citizens are heard at the ballot box,” said Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Chairman of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. “Native Americans have faced shocking and unacceptable discrimination throughout our nation’s history. In my home state, Alaska Natives continue to fight for the same voting rights that are guaranteed to all Americans.  Your presence here today and the important work you do is an inspiration for everyone to continue to fight to make sure that everyone in our country has equal opportunity to vote.”

While there has been significant progress in securing the right to vote for individuals across the county, many voters still face difficulties. Senate Democrats remain committed to the preservation and access to the fundamental freedom of voting.

Photos of the event can be found HERE

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