One year after the Supreme Court struck down key provisions that protect minority voting rights in Shelby County v. Holder, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing today on the Voting Rights Amendment Act (VRAA). The hearing was an opportunity to listen to testimony from civil rights advocates about the need for new legislation that addresses the Supreme Court’s decision and protects the voting rights of ALL Americans, but especially minority voters. SALDEF’s Executive Director Jasjit Singh submitted his testimony on behalf of Sikh Americans and said:
“Our right to have a voice at the polls is one of our most fundamental rights as Americans. We applaud the Senate for holding hearings on the VRAA and we strongly encourage the house to do so as well. As Sikhs and as Americans, we will continue to stand up for the rights of those who voice is being diminished.”
Read SALDEF Executive Director, Jasjit Singh’s full testimony.
This week, SALDEF SikhLEAD interns joined our allies to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer and the ongoing fight to protect all Americans’ voting rights, as captured by The Washington Post.
Watch a video featuring SikhLEADers at the Commemoration.
Last year, in Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court overturned a central provision of the Voting Rights Act that had protected minority voters in states with a history of discrimination.
Without those protections, some states immediately passed stricter laws for voting eligibility including: stringent Voter ID policies, cutting voting poll hours, and ending same-day registration. Brazenly, some immediately changed district boundaries that had high concentrations of minority voters and moved polling locations. There are Americans who may lose their right to vote solely because of their race or English language proficiency.
Today SALDEF’s SikhLEADers attended the Senate hearing on the VRAA to show support for the bi-partisan—Democrats and Republicans— legislation that provides important protections against discrimination at the polls. This bill will enhance voting protection for those people who are limited in English proficiency by offering language assistance at polls—ensuring Sikh American participation and representation in both local and federal elections. It will also prevent states from discriminating against minorities by making all voting and district changes transparent and seeking federal approval for these changes. SALDEF thanks the Senate for moving forward on the VRAA but urges Sikh Americans to contact their Representative and request the House to do the same. Contact your congressional leader.
Voter discrimination is not a thing of the past. There should be fair and equal laws protecting all voters across our nation. Every American should be able to vote freely regardless of their race, religion or identity. Tell your congressional leader to support the VRAA today.