Costa Votes to Protect Voting Rights Nationwide

(WASHINGTON DC) - Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) voted to protect and strengthen voting rights across the country. The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act will ensure every American has equal freedom to make their voice and vote heard in our democracy. This measure combines two pieces voting rights legislation– the Senate bill, the Freedom to Vote Act and House bill, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which Rep. Costa cosponsored.

"Our right to vote as American citizens is fundamental to our democracy," said Rep Costa. "Our democratic institutions are under threat therefore we must set basic national standards for voting. To protect against the suppression of voters, stop partisan gerrymandering, and ensure that the people decide elections. I urge the Senate to pass this crucial legislation to protect all Americans' right to vote."

The legislation ensures election integrity and makes voting more equitable by:

• Expanding automatic voter registration and same-day registration

• Set a national standard for no-excuse vote by mail for every eligible voter

• Protect against unlawful voter purges, while allowing states to accurately maintain their voter registration lists

• Expand early voting by requiring states to offer early voting at least two weeks prior to Election Day

• Enhance protections for individuals with disabilities

• Make Election Day a national holiday

• Provides standards for voter identification, which requires a uniform national standard for states that require identification for in-person voting, and allows voters to present a broad set of identification cards and documents in hard copy and digital form.

• Prevent partisan election subversion by restricting the politicized removal of election officials

• Prohibit the dissemination of false and misleading information designed to dissuade eligible voters from casting a ballot

• Protect elections from foreign interference

• End partisan gerrymandering

For more information about the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, see here.