Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduces Comprehensive Voting Rights Package to Address Today’s Voter Suppression Tactics
WASHINGTON DC: Today, on the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), co-chair of both the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus and the Task Force for Strengthening Democracy announced she is introducing one of the most comprehensive voting rights legislative packages in congressional history. The package enjoys broad, bi-cameral support, with multiple Senators introducing companion bills to Congresswoman Williams’ legislation.
The ten bills introduced by Congresswoman Williams address every aspect of voting, voter registration, and election administration to ensure everyone who is eligible to vote and wants to vote in a federal election can do so with the confidence that their vote will be counted. Information about the ten bills and co-leads, is available below.
Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus and the Task Force for Strengthening Democracy said:
“As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, we are unfortunately facing the same struggle for voting rights. The tactics of voter suppression may look different, but the intent remains the same. Congressman John Lewis taught us that every generation has an obligation to move our country one step forward. My legislative package takes a major step to ensuring everyone can practice their fundamental right to vote. In the face of Jim Crow 2.0 and intentionally racist gerrymandering, we urgently need comprehensive national standards to protect voting rights for everyone—no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your bank account.”
Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) said:
“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, yet that right is under attack in ways we have not seen in decades. To ensure that all individuals have equal access to the ballot box regardless of who they are or where they live, we must fight back. I am proud to co-lead these much-needed bills to further promote and protect the right to vote.”
Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) said:
“60 years after the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, old battles have become new again. Across the nation, state officials are taking drastic measures to restrict access to the ballot box and make it harder for Americans to vote. We cannot sit by while extremists threaten to silence the voices of the American people. As a daughter of Selma and the Representative of Alabama’s Civil Rights District, I am proud to join Congresswoman Nikema Williams in introducing this package of essential voter protections, and I will continue fighting to restore and strengthen the full protections of the VRA.”
“The right to participate in free and fair elections is the cornerstone of our democracy, and something we can never take for granted. While it’s been 60 years since the Voting Rights Act was passed, today Americans across the country are facing threats to our democracy and their fundamental right to cast a ballot. While Republicans and the president engage in sinister voter suppression efforts, I am proud to join Rep. Nikema Williams and my Democratic colleagues in introducing a package of bills to defend voting rights and our democracy,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15).
Reflecting how powerful the legislation is, 51 of the country’s leading civil rights organizations have endorsed at least one of Congresswoman Williams’ bills in the legislative package. Some of the endorsing organizations include: GALEO Impact Fund, American Civil Liberties Union. Coalition for the People’s Agenda, End Citizens United, National Alliance to End Homelessness, People Power United , RepresentUs, Georgia Equality, CAIR-Georgia, Indivisible Georgia Coalition , Public Citizen, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Southern Poverty Law Center, Brennan Center for Justice, Demos, The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.
Jon Golinger, Democracy Advocate at Public Citizen said:
“Every American entitled to vote should be able to freely cast their ballot without having to jump over obstacles just to participate in an election. This collection of voter empowerment bills zeroes in on barriers to voting like a laser beam and evaporates them, one by one. That’s how our democracy was won and the way so many have defended it when called to action. Public Citizen applauds Rep. Williams for stepping up and leading today’s fight for the right to vote.”
Helen Butler, Executive Director of the Coalition for the People’s Agenda said:
“Now more than ever, with so many of our democratic principles on the line, the power of the vote matters. Representative Nikema Wiliams voting rights package is a holistic approach to making sure that voters’ voices are heard in elections by providing funds to states and counties to run secure, seamless elections; protect and expand the right to vote for students, new American citizens, and people experiencing homelessness; and providing processes to avoid long lines and protect voters from unnecessary challenges that hamper election staff and cost counties countless dollars. As someone who has dedicated much of my life to protecting access to the ballot, I heartily endorse this package.”
Alex Ault, Policy Counsel, The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law said:
“Today, the Lawyers’ Committee is proud to endorse a number of democracy protection and voting rights bills introduced by Representative Nikema Williams. Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can cast a ballot and have it counted. Representative Williams’ slate of bold federal legislation offers an overdue course correction of our nation’s voting rights and democracy protections and provides the necessary infrastructure to ensure every eligible voter has the right to perform their civic duty. These proposed policies are more than fixes for a broken system. They serve as a recommitment to the fundamental promises that aim to make a truly inclusive and representative democracy a reality for Black communities and others who’ve long been sidelined to our nation’s margins.”
1: Expanding the VOTE Act: This bill gives jurisdictions the resources to provide more translations of election materials and ensure everyone, regardless of their level of English language proficiency, can equitably participate in our democracy. House Co-leads: Sharice Davids (KS-3), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Terri Sewell (AL-7), Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Yvette Clark (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Grace Meng (NY-06). Senate Co-lead: Alex Padilla (CA)
“I’m proud to co-lead The Expanding the VOTE Act, which supports local governments in their work to ensure that every American citizen eligible to vote can access the ballot box as required by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. “At a time when voting rights are under severe attack, Democrats are zealously defending Americans’ constitutional rights.”
“Every voter deserves equal access to the ballot box, including millions of Americans with limited English proficiency,” said Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “I am proud to co-lead the Expanding the VOTE Act to ensure voting resources are translated and made accessible to the nearly one in three Asian Americans and one in ten Pacific Islanders with limited English proficiency. This legislation is more important than ever before, especially as the Trump administration strips multilingual services away from those in need, and I will continue fighting to protect our democracy and ensure every voice is heard.”
2: Sustaining Our Democracy Act: This bill fully funds election administration around the country. House co-leads: Marc Veasey (TX-33), Terri Sewell (AL-7), Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15). Senate Co-lead: Alex Padilla (CA)
Congresswoman Julie Johnson said:
“Every American deserves equal and fair access to the ballot box, no matter their zip code, income, or housing situation. But right now, too many voices are silenced by needless barriers and deliberate roadblocks. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Sustaining Our Democracy Act, which provides permanent, reliable federal funding for elections, and the Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections (VOTE) Act, which ensures people experiencing homelessness can register and vote without unnecessary burdens. We can’t stand by while politicians try to rig the system and shut people out. These bills make sure our elections are fully funded, secure, and accessible — and that no American is denied their right to vote. It’s time to act, to tear down these barriers, and to make sure every voice is heard and every vote counts.”
3: Voters on the Move Registration Act: This bill provides voters with information on how to register to vote and their voting rights under law as they move residences. House co-leads: Marc Veasey (TX-33), Terri Sewell (AL-7), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03).
“It is critical to ensure all voices are heard in our democracy, yet Republicans have created barriers to voter registration that disproportionately affect low-income individuals. The Voters on the Move Registration Act will not only ensure that renters who recently moved have information about voter registration and their voting rights, but also that it is accessible to those who speak languages other than English,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04).
4: Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections (VOTE) Act: This bill provides protections and minimum standards for accessibility to voting for unhoused people, and provides resources for efforts to expand access to the ballot for unhoused people. House co-leads: Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Terri Sewell (AL-7), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15).
“In the United States of America, every citizen has a right to make their voice heard in our democracy—and there must be no exceptions for those who are temporarily unhoused,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I’m proud to join with Congresswoman Williams in introducing the Unhoused VOTE Act to ensure that every American, including those who are struggling with housing instability, are able to cast a vote in our elections.”
“Defending the right to vote is defending our communities,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. “In a moment when the Trump Administration is undermining Americans’ participation in our democracy by restricting access to the ballot box and suppressing the vote, I’m proud to join my colleagues on the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, as a co-lead of the Unhoused VOTE Act and the Sustaining Our Democracy Act.”
5: Election Mail Act: This bill improves the delivery and processing of election mail by setting minimum standards and improving USPS processes.
6: People Over Long Lines (POLL) Act: This bill sets minimum standards for how long people may wait in line to vote and provides resources to reduce voter wait times. House co-lead: Jasmine Crockett (TX-30).
7: Youth Voting Rights Act: This bill enforces the bipartisan-passed Twenty-Sixth Amendment and ensures eligible youth voters can access the ballot box.
8: Time Off to Vote Act: This bill mandates that all workers receive guaranteed time off in order to vote. Senate lead: Mazie Hirono (HI)
“Voting is a fundamental right and every eligible voter in this country deserves to be able to participate in our democracy,” said Senator Hirono. “As we continue working to protect voting rights, this legislation will help to expand voter participation, particularly in underrepresented communities. I’m proud to lead my colleagues in introducing the Time Off to Vote Act, to empower eligible voters and ensure they can make their voices heard.”
9: Help America Run Act: This bill ensures that all Americans who are otherwise qualified to serve this Nation are able to run for office, regardless of their economic status by codifying existing FEC guidance around using campaign funds for caregiving.
10: Countering Harassment and Applying Legal Liability to Effectively Nurture Government Election Stability (CHALLENGES) Act: This bill puts safeguards around the implementation of registration challenge portals and imposes accountability measures for abusing the portals.
Read a one-pager on all the bills in the package here.