John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, following its reintroduction in the U.S. House in March. 

This vital legislation seeks to restore provisions of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965—a permanent nationwide safeguard against race-based discrimination in voting—that have been weakened by federal court decisions. It also updates the law to better protect communities of color, who are disproportionately targeted by voter suppression and unfair practices, and to safeguard election workers from harassment and threats. 

Named in honor of the late Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, the act responds to ongoing threats to voting rights, including federal court rulings, executive actions on voter registration, and state-level gerrymandering. It: 

• Reestablishes preclearance. Jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations will require advance federal approval before making any changes to their voting laws or procedures.  This will prevent discrimination before it happens, rather than challenging it only after voters have already been harmed. 

• Protects election workers from threats and intimidation. 

• Increases transparency through new notice and disclosure requirements. 

• Confirms the existence of a private right of action to enforce voting rights. 

• Establishes a standard for plaintiffs seeking preventive relief against likely violations. 

• Extends bilingual election requirements.