Indian American Impact Applauds the Reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. — Indian American Impact enthusiastically applauds the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA) in the U.S. Senate. We urge Congress to fulfill its duty to protect the right to vote and swiftly pass the JLVRAA, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act.

Indian American Impact Executive Director, Chintan Patel, shared the following statement: 

“Indian and South Asian Americans, who constitute the largest immigrant communities and fastest growing electorate in many states, played a pivotal role in the historic turnout rates of the 2020 election. Instead of seeing it as a success when voters participate in big numbers, many states have adopted laws that systematically undermine the election procedures and policies that helped facilitate our communities’ participation.

As we prepare to commemorate the 59^th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, we are reminded that our democracy is still under siege, with the denial and dilution of the fundamental right to vote at its core.  

Congress must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA) that would strengthen the protections enshrined in the 1965 Voting Rights Act, safeguard election integrity, and allow all historically marginalized communities to fully participate in our democracy.”

****Indian American Impact is a national 501(c)(4) organization that elevates the voices of Indian Americans and South Asians to ensure that every level of government represents us and our values. Impact works to mobilize, engage, and elect South Asians in an effort to build a world in which all Americans have the opportunity to thrive.