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S. 2523: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 is a legislative proposal that seeks to enhance and protect voting rights in the United States by amending the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The act focuses on several key areas concerning federal oversight and protections against voting rights violations, particularly those based on race or language minority status.

Oversight and Federal Jurisdiction

The bill aims to revise the criteria that determine which states and local governments require federal oversight regarding voting practices. This is intended to ensure that any violations of voting rights are effectively addressed, providing necessary protections for all voters, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Accountability and Transparency

Under this legislation, states are required to:

Provide public notice when there are changes to polling places.
Disclose demographics of voters in their jurisdictions.
Detail how resources are allocated, particularly to ensure that polling places are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Additionally, any changes related to polling places must be reported within 48 hours, promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Enforcement Authority

The bill also grants the Attorney General enhanced authority to enforce voting rights protections. This includes the ability to take legal action against entities that violate voting rights, ensuring stronger protection for voters and bolstering federal oversight in states where discrimination may occur.

Support for Small Jurisdictions

The legislation mandates that the Attorney General provide annual grants specifically for small jurisdictions, which are defined as those with populations of 10,000 or less. These grants aim to assist small jurisdictions in complying with the Voting Rights Act’s requirements, particularly regarding notifying voters of important voting-related information. To receive these funds, small jurisdictions must apply and provide specified details demonstrating their compliance efforts.

Overall Goals

Overall, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 seeks to build a more equitable electoral process by ensuring that all voters have access to their rights, are informed about changes affecting their ability to vote, and that there is robust enforcement against violations of these rights.