"On Monday, Americans across the country will gather to honor his memory. Dr. King once said, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ One of the greatest tributes we can give Dr. King in honor of his life and legacy is to become loud and vocal about the continuing need for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, legislation he fought for during the civil rights movement.

"Our country has come a long way because of the work of Dr. King, but the struggle for equality continues. Discrimination in voting persists in many parts of the country; many are still wrongly denied the right to vote. Portions of the Voting Rights Act will expire if Congress does not act. Lawmakers must renew this important law.

"The Voting Rights Act, more than any other federal law, has helped secure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans. It gave a voice to the voiceless. The right to be active citizens and exercise the vote, free from coercion or bias is pivotal to our democracy. Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act will bring us closer to the realization of Dr. King’s dream and ensure that all Americans continue to enjoy unfettered access to the voting booth."

For more on the ACLU’s concerns with the Voting Rights Act, go to:
http://www.votingrights.org/

 



Click to show/hide issues list
Criminal Justice
Death Penalty
Disability Rights
Drug Policy
Free Speech
HIV/AIDS
Human Rights
Immigrants' Rights
Lesbian & Gay Rights
National Security
Police Practices
Prisoners' Rights
Privacy & Technology
Racial Justice
Religion and Belief
Reproductive Freedom
Rights of the Poor
Safe and Free
StandUp/Youth
Voting Rights
Women's Rights


IN THIS SECTION
RELATED INFORMATION
Your Local ACLUcongressional scorecardmultimediaforumspublicationssupport usstorecontact