Senate Rejects Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Twice Defeated, Bills Face Uncertain Future
In a blow to voting rights advocates, the Senate on Wednesday voted against the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The measures, which aimed to expand access to the ballot box and address voter suppression, failed to overcome a Republican filibuster.
A Second Attempt Fails
A second attempt to pass the bill as part of a combined measure on January 19, 2022, also failed, again falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance. The defeat leaves the future of voting rights legislation in Congress uncertain.
Congress's Broad Authority
Despite the setbacks, advocates argue that Congress has the authority to enact the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This section gives Congress the power to "abrogate any state law...which has a discriminatory purpose or effect."
New Criteria for Determining Voting Restrictions
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would establish new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions are subject to federal oversight for changes to their election laws. These criteria include a history of voting rights violations and discriminatory practices.
Protecting Voting Rights
Together with the Freedom to Vote Act, which would restore and update the full protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, these bills aim to safeguard the right to vote for all Americans. Despite the challenges, advocates remain committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to the ballot box.
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