Voting Rights
Voting rights are essential to who we are as Americans, to the cause of equality, and to the strength of our democracy. We must secure the most basic privilege of American citizenship: the right to vote. Congress plays an important role in removing obstacles to voting to ensure every citizen has the right to vote and every vote is counted as cast.
The Voting Rights Act is one of the great guardians of our democracy. Yet in June 2013, the Supreme Court decided to dismantle some of the most important protections of this critical law, opening the door to brazen efforts to disenfranchise American citizens with new barriers to the ballot box. The ruling invalidated the primary enforcement provision of the VRA, which had protected voters from racial discrimination for nearly 50 years.
colleagues and civil rights leaders to honor the 50th anniversary of the equal rights
marches from Selma to Montgomery that paved the way for the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
Congress must take the court's decision as our cue for further action to strengthen this legislation. Too many have given too much to defend and advance the right to vote in America, from the heroes of Selma and civil rights to the brave men and women who risk and give their lives for our freedom every day. Voting rights are vital to sustaining and strengthening our democracy – and ensuring that the voices of all Americans are heard.
More on Voting Rights
Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616
Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616
San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement marking Women's Equality Day, commemorating the 97th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which is Saturday, August 26:
Contact: Drew Hammill/Ashley Etienne, 202-226-7616
Contact: Ashley Etienne/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, House Democratic Caucus Chair Joseph Crowley, Representative Terri Sewell and members of the House Democratic Caucus to introduce the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), legislation which restores protections for voters in states with a recent history of discrimination. Below are the Leader’s Remark.
Leader Pelosi. “Let’s hear it for Steny Hoyer! Thank you Steny.
Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of Women’s History Month:
“Each Women’s History Month, Americans pay tribute to the courageous women who have strengthened our great democracy. We honor the women whose labor and advocacy, leadership and sacrifice have moved America closer to fulfilling our highest ideals.
Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the celebration of Black History Month, which begins on February 1:
Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement marking the upcoming 51st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 6, 1965:
Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at a press event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Below are the Leader’s opening and closing remarks:
Leader Pelosi’s Opening Remarks:
Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at a press conference calling for substantive action to protect and restore voting rights. Below are the Leader’s opening and closing remarks:
Leader Pelosi’s Opening Remarks:
“Good afternoon. As you all know, I am sure, August 6th marks the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act – the signing of the bill that is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in our nation’s history.