Etheridge at a Voting Rights Act vigil
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today voted to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation that ensures all citizens have the right to vote.
H.R. 9, the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, & Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization Act of 2006 extends the Act for 25 years. Etheridge is a cosponsor of the legislation.
“The right to vote is sacred and guaranteed to all Americans by the U.S. Constitution. This bill is about our democratic process – ensuring the full participation of citizens in the electoral process. It is important that we ensure that all citizens are able to vote in elections,” said Etheridge.
“This landmark legislation stands as the greatest legislative achievement of the civil rights movement. I remain committed to the Voting Rights Act and all protections that uphold the American ideal of equality.”
The Voting Rights Act was first signed into law in 1965, and was expanded in 1975. It prohibits any voting practice that would limit an individual’s Constitutional right to vote. It also banned any test or device for voting, such as poll tax or literacy tests. Since the Voting Rights Act became law, the representation of minorities in government at all levels has greatly increased.
“I am pleased that the bill to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act passed without the inclusion of several amendments offered by my Republican colleagues that would have weakened its provisions, potentially making it more difficult for citizens to exercise their right to vote.”