House Passes Voting Rights Advancement Act

December 6, 2019 Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) celebrates the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4) in the House of Representatives. Jody Rabhan, NCJW Chief Policy Officer, released the following statement:

“For the past 125 years, NCJW has educated and engaged our advocates and supporters to drive voter turnout and expand voting rights, including advocating for women’s suffrage and the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). This work is in pursuit of T’zedek, or justice — a core value of Judaism and an inspiration for our advocacy. We continue to work for election policies that ensure easy and equitable access and eliminate obstacles to the electoral process.

“It’s been nearly six years since the Supreme Court gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act in its Shelby County v. Holder decision, after which voter suppression laws multiplied. With the passage of HR 4, the House has taken the first step to restoring the Voting Rights Act to its former strength by requiring states with recent histories of voter discrimination to seek federal preclearance for election changes. 

 “Without access to the ballot, we can’t elect lawmakers who represent our communities and our needs. Access to abortion, citizenship for Dreamers, LGBTQ equality, sensible gun laws — all are beyond our reach if we do not have the right to vote. Now that the House has taken a stand for democracy, the Senate must do the same and pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act without delay.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter.