As a civil rights attorney and former Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s Second Congressional District, I am keenly aware of the delicate balance upon which our democracy rests. This balance is threatened, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is not just important but crucial for our democracy.
Our democracy is built on the foundational principle that every citizen should have an equal voice in the electoral process. This principle is not just a lofty ideal but the bedrock of our republic. However, this foundation is showing cracks, with voting rights under siege in ways not seen since the pre-Civil Rights era.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, named after the late Congressman and civil rights icon, seeks to restore and strengthen the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This CRA was pivotal in dismantling the barriers that prevented American minorities from exercising their right to vote. Yet, in 2013, the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder gutted a crucial provision of the Voting Rights Act, eliminating the requirement for states with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing their voting laws. This decision unleashed a wave of voter suppression laws across the country, from stringent voter ID requirements to purges of voter rolls, disproportionately affecting minority communities.
We must recognize that our democracy is fragile. It requires constant vigilance and proactive measures to protect and strengthen it. The integrity of our electoral process is not just a concern for minority communities but for all Americans who believe in fair and free elections. When any group is disenfranchised, the very fabric of our democratic society is weakened.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act addresses these threats by restoring the federal oversight necessary to prevent discriminatory practices. It establishes a new formula to determine which states and localities need pre-clearance based on current data, ensuring that jurisdictions with recent histories of voting rights violations are held accountable. Additionally, it expands the government’s ability to respond to voting changes that could potentially discriminate against voters.
Passing this Act is not just a legislative priority; it is a moral imperative. We stand at a crossroads where the decisions we make will define the future of our democracy. Failing to act will signal to those who seek to undermine voting rights that their efforts are permissible, even acceptable. We cannot allow this to happen.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. Every election cycle that passes without these protections in place is another opportunity for voter suppression tactics to take root and disenfranchise millions of Americans. In recent elections, we have already witnessed long lines, reduced polling places, and strict ID laws that disproportionately impact people of color, the elderly, and young voters. These obstacles are not just inconveniences; they are direct assaults on the right to vote.
Moreover, in an era of increasing political polarization, ensuring the accessibility and fairness of our electoral process is essential for maintaining public trust in our institutions. When voters believe that the system is rigged against them, it breeds cynicism and disengagement, eroding the very foundation of our democratic system.
As an activist committed to civic engagement, I call on all Americans to recognize the critical importance of passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This is not a partisan issue; it is an American issue. Our democracy depends on the active participation of its citizens, and this participation must be protected by law. Let us honor the legacy of John Lewis by taking decisive action to safeguard our democracy.

Tim Alexander
Civil Rights Attorney and Former Democratic Candidate for Congress