At the heart of a functioning democracy is the right of every citizen to cast their ballot and to have their vote counted. Free and fair elections are central to the survival of our democracy and the only guarantee that the voices of the American people are heard. 

For several decades, the Voting Rights Act has played a central role in protecting and preserving this right for millions of Americans who otherwise might be disenfranchised. Today we mark its 49th anniversary.

Since it became law in 1965, the Voting Rights Act has been repeatedly renewed by bipartisan majorities in Congress.  For example, in its most recent reauthorization in 2006, the Voting Rights Act was renewed for 25 years by a vote of 390-33 in the House and 98-0 in the Senate. In fact, many have argued that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is this country’s most significant and effective civil rights law.

Last year, I was deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court’s narrow 5-4 decision to strike down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. This ruling marks a significant step backward in our ongoing efforts to protect the voting rights of every American and ensure that all citizens are afforded equal treatment under the law.

Today, we renew our commitment to restore critical protections in a manner consistent with our values as a nation and ensure that all Americans are guaranteed their constitutional right to vote.