Letitia James: We Can’t Afford to Abandon Voting Rights Act

What Did Letitia James Say About the Voting Rights Act?

New York Attorney General Letitia James delivered a forceful address to civil rights advocates this week, centering her remarks on the urgent need to preserve the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

"We cannot afford to abandon the Voting Rights Act," James said during a speech at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s annual voting rights summit. "This law is the bedrock of our democracy. Every attempt to weaken it is a direct attack on marginalized communities that have fought for generations to secure their right to vote."

James specifically called on Congress to revive and pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill designed to restore key protections stripped from the VRA by a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.

Why the Voting Rights Act Matters Today

The Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, following years of civil rights activism and violent suppression of Black voters in the South. Its most impactful provision required states with a history of voter discrimination to get federal approval (preclearance) before changing voting laws.

The 2013 Supreme Court Ruling That Gutted the VRA

In Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court struck down the formula used to determine which states were subject to preclearance requirements, arguing it was outdated. Since that ruling, 29 states have passed restrictive voting laws, according to data from the Brennan Center for Justice.

Rising Voter Suppression Efforts Across the U.S.

Without federal oversight, state lawmakers have advanced measures that disproportionately impact voters of color, low-income Americans, and people with disabilities:

• Strict photo ID laws that many eligible voters cannot easily obtain
• Reduced early voting periods and limits on mail-in ballot access
• Unwarranted voter roll purges that remove eligible voters without notification
• Partisan gerrymandering that dilutes the voting power of minority communities
• Restrictions on voter registration drives in high-minority areas

Letitia James’ Call to Action for Congress

James criticized the current congressional deadlock on voting rights legislation, urging lawmakers to prioritize the John R. Lewis Act over partisan infighting.

"The Voting Rights Act has never been a Democratic or Republican issue – it is an American issue," she said. "Congress has a moral obligation to restore the protections that have kept our elections fair for nearly 60 years."

The John R. Lewis Act passed the House of Representatives in 2021 but stalled in the Senate, where it faced a Republican filibuster. James noted that failure to pass the bill would leave millions of voters vulnerable to discrimination.

What’s at Stake If the VRA Is Abandoned?

Abandoning the Voting Rights Act would not just roll back progress for Black and Latino voters – it would harm young voters, voters with disabilities, non-English speakers, and rural communities.

Without preclearance requirements, states can pass discriminatory voting laws with little federal pushback, eroding public trust in election results and undermining core democratic norms. James warned that this could lead to lower voter turnout and a less representative government.

How You Can Support Voting Rights Protections

Everyday voters have power to advocate for stronger voting rights. Here are actionable steps you can take today:

1. Contact your U.S. Senators and House Representative to urge support for the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. You can find your lawmakers’ contact information on Congress.gov.
2. Volunteer with local nonpartisan voter registration groups or organizations that help voters navigate ballot access barriers.
3. Stay informed about voting law changes in your state, and share accurate, up-to-date information with friends, family, and neighbors.
4. Vote in every local, state, and federal election to hold lawmakers accountable for protecting voting access.

Conclusion

Letitia James’ warning is a critical reminder that voting rights are not a settled issue – they require constant advocacy and protection. As efforts to restrict ballot access accelerate nationwide, the Voting Rights Act remains our most effective tool to ensure every eligible American can participate in our democracy.

Abandoning this landmark law would undo decades of progress and silence millions of voices. It is up to all of us – lawmakers, advocates, and everyday voters – to fight for its preservation and strengthening.