STAND UP AMERICA APPLAUDS CONNECTICUT SENATE FOR PASSING CRUCIAL VOTING RIGHTS ACT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAY 26, 2023

PRESS CONTACT:
Tracy Adair, press@standupamerica.com 

HARTFORD— Last night, Connecticut state senators voted to advance the John Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut (SB1226), a legislative package to protect and strengthen democracy in the Constitution State.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut’s critical protections include:

• Creating stronger protections against voter intimidation, deception, and obstruction;
• Making it easier for Connecticut voters to challenge any discriminatory barriers to the ballot box in court;
• Launching a preclearance program that requires local governments with a history of discrimination to prove that changes won’t haven voters of color before these changes go into effect, and;
• Expanding language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency.

Stand Up America’s Deputy Political Director, Reggie Thedford, commented on the passage:

“While Connecticut counts itself among America’s most progressive states, the Nutmeg State ranks 30th for ease of voting and voters of color still face onerous barriers to the ballot box. Last night, Connecticut state senators demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive democracy by advancing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut.

“From strengthening protections against discrimination to expanding language assistance in the voting process, this landmark bill will help build a democracy that works for all Connecticuters. We urge legislators in the House to safeguard all citizens’ freedom to vote, regardless of where they live or what they look like, and make Connecticut a model for democracy across the country.”

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About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with nearly two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven over 1.7 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized thousands of protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.

Website: StandUpAmerica.com
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