By Mel Wilson, MBA, LCSW – NASW Senior Coverage Adviser
The Nationwide Affiliation of Social Staff (NASW) applauds the reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Development Act (VRAA) by Maryland Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin. It’s no doubt that on this vital election 12 months, the time is now for the passage of this essential laws.
Furthermore, the correct to vote is foundational and protects rights and freedoms of all Individuals. As a company devoted to defending human and civil rights, NASW is aware of the pathway to significant societal change is usually via the poll.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge the place the Bloody Sunday protest occurred.
That the invoice is being reintroduced on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma reinforces the urgency of getting robust voter protections. That is particularly essential at a time when voting rights are underneath assault with an ever-growing depth and ferocity. All of which alerts us to the truth that our decades-long wrestle for full and equal entry to the poll continues, and we should revolt in opposition to the limitations positioned in our means.
For democracy to work for all of us, it should embrace us all, irrespective of our race, ethnicity, language, or potential. We’re heartened that the VRAA will restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act. The invoice will restore harm carried out by the Supreme Court docket and modernizing probably the most profitable civil rights legislation in historical past.
For these causes, the voting rights neighborhood, together with NASW, should stay vigilant, organized, mobilized and energetic in combating for voter safety. The 2024 election is essential on a historic degree, and we should reply accordingly to forces that try to impede unencumbered entry to the poll.
The Voting Rights Act has an extended historical past of bipartisan help. It’s the obligation of this era of lawmakers to reply to the decision of most Individuals who help laws to guard the vote. VRAA does simply that.
We urge Members of Congress to meet their obligations to guard the liberty to vote by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Development Act in addition to the Freedom to Vote Act and the Native American Voting Rights Act. Collectively, these legal guidelines will assist guarantee everybody can totally take part in democracy and make their voices heard.
