WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported legislation to restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) and keep the promise of democracy for all Americans. H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act prevents states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination from restricting the right to vote by requiring these jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance before changing their voting laws. H.R. 4 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 219 to 212.

“I miss serving with John Lewis. John’s story is an example of what Americans like him have endured for the right to vote, the most powerful tool in our democracy,” said Larsen, a cosponsor of the bill. “I support this necessary bill to honor John’s remarkable legacy and break down discriminatory barriers to guarantee every American’s voice is heard at the ballot box.”

For decades, the VRA prevented states and localities from restricting the right to vote. However, in its disastrous Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013, the Supreme Court gutted the law, invalidating Section 4 and striking down the formula used to determine which jurisdictions are subject to federal oversight. In July 2021, the Court further weakened the law in its decision in Brnovich v. DNC which made it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting laws under Section 2. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, 18 states have enacted at least 30 laws to restrict access to the vote this year alone.

Named for the late Representative John R. Lewis (GA-05), H.R. 4 restores Section 4 of the VRA by establishing a modern-day formula that requires states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice before making changes to their voting laws. H.R. 4 also restores Section 2 of the VRA by eliminating the heightened standard created by the Supreme Court in Brnovich v. DNC.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act also:

• Allows federal courts to immediately halt questionable voting practices until a final ruling is made.
• Gives the Attorney General authority to request federal observers be present anywhere in the country where discriminatory voting practices pose a serious threat.
• Increases transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes.
• Includes a retrogression standard for already-enacted but not-yet-implemented measures.
• Help plaintiffs to seek injunctive relief for voting rights violations in the lead-up to an election. 
• Establishes a grant program for small jurisdictions to help them comply with the bill’s various notice requirements. 

Larsen is a champion of breaking down barriers so all Americans can fully participate in democracy. Earlier this year, he supported House-passage of H.R. 1, the For The People Act, the most significant voting rights and democracy reform legislation in more than half a century. H.R. 1 includes Larsen’s bill to eliminate unnecessary, discriminatory voter ID barriers that disenfranchise citizens and undermine democracy. Larsen modeled the legislation on Washington state’s successful voting system that allows voters to affirm their identity through a sworn, written statement with a mail-in ballot.

For a summary of H.R. 4, click here.

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