Civilrights.org

Senate Votes Unanimously to Renew
the Voting Rights Act!

July 21, 2006 – In a unanimous vote (98-0), the Senate yesterday passed The Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006. The House had passed the bill, H.R. 9, by an overwhelming margin (390-33) last week. The Voting Rights Act (VRA) renewal bill now goes to the president, who has said that he intends to sign it into law. 
 

This is an incredible victory for the civil rights of all Americans! We must applaud Congress for this critical and historic vote. If your senators and representative were among the overwhelming majority who supported VRA renewal, call them at (202) 224-3121 to thank them for their support. (For more information about the House and Senate votes, visit www.RenewtheVRA.org)  Or fill out your information on the right to send them an email message expressing your appreciation.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I write to thank Congress for passing The Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 (H.R. 9). I am particularly pleased that the bill was overwhelmingly supported in both the House (390-33) and Senate (98-0), and was passed without any amendments that would weaken the Act's protections.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is considered the most effective civil rights law in American history for its ability to vigorously protect the right to vote of ALL Americans. The Act has enfranchised millions of racial, ethnic, and language minority citizens by eliminating certain discriminatory practices and removing other barriers to political participation. By renewing and restoring the Act for another 25 years, Congress has helped to preserve and protect our most fundamental constitutional right - the right to vote. Congress is to be applauded for this critical and historic vote!

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 21, 2006