Georgia Democrats Honor John Lewis On 55th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act

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By Amanda Cooper

In honor of the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and the enduring legacy of Congressman John Lewis, the Democratic Party of Georgia(DPG) leaders spoke out against Republican voter suppression. They called for a renewed Voting Rights Act to honor John Lewis’ legacy and guarantee the right to vote for every American.

During a virtual press conference, DPG Chairwoman Nikema Williams said, “Georgia Democrats know, like Mr. Lewis taught us, that our vote is the most powerful tool we have in a democratic society - that’s why Donald Trump and Republicans up and down the ballot are spreading lies about this election and making it harder for people to vote.” 

Williams expressed that The DPG is committed to protecting the right to vote for all Georgia voters. Thursday morning, Democrats filed a lawsuit calling for the Secretary of State to increase protections and accessibility for all voters after Georgia’s chaotic June 9th primary elections. According to the AJC, the federal lawsuit asks the courts to step in to prevent hours-long lines in Georgia’s presidential election. Saying a judge should require more polling places, better-trained poll workers, and emergency paper ballots.

Since the Primary Runoff Election is just days away and the November General Election is less than 90 days away, during the call, Congressman Hank Johnson spoke on the history and importance of voting. 

 “Before the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965, state legislatures, counties, and cities, particularly in the South, could enact foul practices to stop our people from making our voices heard, all too similar to the dangerous voter suppression tactics Republicans embrace today. Rep. Johnson added, John Lewis shed blood for the Voting Rights Act, and his legacy had an immediate and lasting impact of making sure Black Americans could participate and be a part of this country’s political system. Now, it has never been more important that we pass a new Voting Rights Act to protect our democracy for the next generation, and honor John’s legacy by voting to get Donald Trump out of office.”

Georgia Democrats encourage all Georgia voters in need of assistance casting their ballot to call the DPG Voter Protection Hotline at 888-730-5816.

Click here to watch the full virtual press conference.