On 55th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act, Georgia Democrats Honor John Lewis, Call For Renewed VRA

Today, in honor of the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and the enduring legacy of Congressman John Lewis,  Democratic Party of Georgia (DPG) leaders spoke out against Republican voter suppression, and called for a renewed Voting Rights Act to honor John Lewis’ legacy and guarantee the right to vote for every American. 

DPG Chairwoman Nikema Williams said: 

“Georgia Democrats know, like Mr. Lewis taught us, that our vote is the most powerful tool we have in a democratic society – that’s why Donald Trump and Republicans up and down the ballot are spreading lies about this election and making it harder for people to vote. While Congress fights to pass a new John Lewis Voting Rights Act, Georgia Democrats are fighting hard to protect the vote at every step of the electoral process, and we will hold Republicans accountable for trying to stop the people from making their voices heard.”

Congressman Hank Johnson said: 

“Before the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965, state legislatures, counties and cities — particularly in the South — could enact foul practices to stop our people from making our voices heard — all too similar to the dangerous voter suppression tactics Republicans embrace today. John Lewis shed blood for the Voting Rights Act, and his legacy had an immediate and lasting impact of making sure Black Americans could participate and be a part of this country’s political system. Now, it has never been more important that we pass a new Voting Rights Act to protect our democracy for the next generation, and honor John’s legacy by voting to get Donald Trump out of office.”

The DPG is committed to protecting the right to vote for all Georgia voters, and has one of the strongest voter protection programs in the nation to assist voters and hold Republicans accountable. This morning, Democrats filed a lawsuit calling for the Secretary of State to increase protections and accessibility for all voters after Georgia’s chaotic June 9th primary elections. 

Georgia Democrats encourage all Georgia voters in need of assistance casting their ballot to call the DPG Voter Protection Hotline at 888-730-5816. 

The full press conference is available here. 

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