FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 24, 2021

Media Contact:
Alyson Malinger, West End Strategy Team
amalinger@westendstrategy.com; 917-935-7311

John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Will Protect Right to Vote in Crucial Moment
National Council of Jewish Women celebrates the House of Representatives passage of monumental voting rights legislation; calls on Senate to take action

WASHINGTON — Today, the House of Representatives passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and strengthen our freedom to vote. In response, National Council of Jewish Women CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement:

“Today, the House of Representatives took an important step to combat voter suppression and restore the Voting Rights Act to its former strength. The Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act over the past decade, and as a result, states across the country have passed dozens of laws making it more difficult to vote, particularly for communities of color, minority-language speakers, low-income voters, elderly and young voters, women, transgender individuals, and voters with disabilities.

“Laws making it harder to vote most harm those who are already vulnerable, the very people our Jewish tradition teaches us we must support. The right to vote is fundamental to all other rights. Without access to the ballot, we can’t elect lawmakers who represent our communities and our needs. Access to abortion, citizenship for Dreamers, LGBTQ equality, sensible gun laws — all are beyond our reach if we do not have the right to vote.

“Our vote is our voice, and as we celebrate the House of Representatives vote, we call on the Senate to take up the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in order to protect the rights of all voters and ensure the voices of every American are heard.”

# # #

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.