National Urban League applauds introduction of Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial  issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the Voting Rights Amendment Act 2014 by Representatives James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), John Conyers (D-MI), Bobby Scott (D-VA), John Lewis (D-GA), and Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT):

“We applaud Representatives James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), John Conyers (D-MI), Bobby Scott (D-VA), John Lewis (D-GA), and Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) for introducing the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014.    This common-sense measure is an important first step to reaffirm the right to vote for all citizens and strengthen the protection of that right.   Further, it underscores the responsibility of elected officials to ensure, promote and support free and fair elections.

“Regrettably, the 2012 election cycle proved that discriminatory voter suppression tactics continue to undermine the fundamental right to vote for too many Americans.  It also demonstrated that voters are still critically in need of the protections that were stripped by the Shelby v. Holder decision.

We are encouraged by the bipartisan support the bill enjoys and look forward to working with Congress to help ensure that it is swiftly passed into law.”