In response to the US House of Representatives passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R.4), Greenpeace USA Democracy Campaign DIrector Folabi Olagbaju said:
“To have a green and just planet we can all thrive on, we must have an inclusive and people-powered democracy. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore and strengthen our freedom to vote by restoring fundamental protections of the Voting Rights Act that ensure any changes to voting rules that could discriminate against voters based on our race or background are federally reviewed, so we all have an equal say in our future.
“For communities most vulnerable to climate disaster there is no time to waste. That is why passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is so key. H.R.4 helps give our communities an equal voice in the decisions that impact our lives and our planet a fighting chance at a future.
“States have already introduced more than 400 state bills and enacted 30 laws that erect barriers to the ballot box for millions of Americans mostly Black, Brown, and people of color. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is common-sense legislation that will protect marginalized voters.
“The Senate must act now by passing H.R. 4 alongside the For the People Act (S. 1). We have less than a decade left to reduce the impact fossil fuel companies have in polluting our communities, climate, and democratic systems. Otherwise, we will find ourselves in the midst of an irreversible catastrophe. We need a truly representative and responsive democracy to meet the scale of climate challenges today. It is imperative we have a policy and climate leaders that will help us get there.”
ENDS
Contact: Valentina Stackl, Greenpeace USA, [email protected], (734) 276 6260
