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A resolution supporting the passage of the John Lewis R. Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 in the United States Congress.
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WHEREAS, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 was filed for consideration by the 119th United States Congress; and
WHEREAS, the bill would restore and modernize the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (“VRA”), addressing modern-day voter suppression and ensuring every voter, regardless of race or background, has equal access to the ballot box; and
WHEREAS, the VRA first passed following efforts of civil rights leaders such as the late Congressman John Lewis, who was viciously attacked by police in Selma, Alabama in the weeks before the bill was passed; and
WHEREAS, the VRA has been weakened through various Supreme Court opinions in the last twelve years that allow states to pass discriminatory voting restrictions and gerrymanders without review or oversight from the federal government; and
WHEREAS, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would solve many of these issues by restoring federal approval for certain practices and policies that are common tools for discrimination, expanding the government’s authority to send federal observers to locations at risk of discrimination, and revitalize the ability of citizens to protect voting rights through litigation; and
WHEREAS, polls show that more than 60 percent of voters support this bill, including more than 60 percent of independents and more than 40 percent of Republicans; and
WHEREAS, a version of this legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021, along with the Freedom to Vote Act, which sought to expand voting rights and change federal campaign finance laws. The bills were not approved by the Senate and not enacted into law; and
WHEREAS, this legislation is urgently needed to address persistent issues of voting discrimination and ensure that all Americans have fair access to the ballot box.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as supporting the passage of the John Lewis R. Voting Rights Advancement Act in the United States Congress.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.