WASHINGTON, D.C. –  As the nation celebrates the life and legacy of a leader dedicated to civil rights and social justice, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and 57 other House co-sponsors, including Assistant Democratic Leader, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-6) and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, Congressman John Conyers (MI-13), introduce H. Con. Res. 9, a bill urging Congress to designate the first Monday in October, the start of the U.S. Supreme Court term each year, as “National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day."

Congresswoman Fudge said, “The Voting Rights Act is just as important today as when it was first enacted.  Americans across the country reported denial of the right to vote in 2016, affirming continued voter intimidation and suppression.  Designating a day as National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day will remind America of the need to fight for full protection of every citizen’s access to the ballot box."

Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn said, "The strength of our democracy is threatened the moment it is taken for granted. I applaud Representative Fudge for reintroducing legislation to establish a National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day and encourage all Americans to get engaged in the democratic process."

House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Conyers said, “Passage of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) triggered a second Reconstruction and changed the face of American politics.  As we confront the third wave of disenfranchisement through state-based voter suppression tactics, it is more important than ever to mobilize our electorate around the VRA to protect our fundamental right to vote in every state.  This legislation will help further educate voters about the perils of voter suppression and the importance of participation in every election.”

Almost 50 years after its enactment, The Voting Rights Act continues to play a critical role in eradicating practices that threaten to restrict the rights of all Americans.  Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Shelby County v. Holder, states across the nation enacted highly restrictive voting rights laws.  Many targeted our nation’s most vulnerable – the poor, the elderly, the disabled, students, and minorities. Congresswoman Fudge is committed to working with her congressional colleagues to reverse the negative effects of the Shelby decision and restore voting rights for every citizen.

Click here to read text of the bill.

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