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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
URGING THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO PASS H.R. 14: THE JOHN R. LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2025
WHEREAS, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the most significant pieces of legislation in American history, enacted to address and eliminate the systemic barriers that prevented African Americans and other marginalized groups from exercising their right to vote; and
WHEREAS, this landmark law transformed the democratic landscape of the country, ensuring that the principles of equality and justice were upheld; and
WHEREAS, the Act dismantled many overt discriminatory practices, and marked a historic victory for civil rights, but its relevance persists today, as new forms of voter suppression have emerged, including strict voter ID laws, purging of voter rolls, limiting early voting, and reducing polling places, particularly in minority communities; and
WHEREAS, such practices can disproportionately affect voters of color, the elderly, and low-income individuals; and
WHEREAS, in response to these ongoing challenges, there have been efforts to pass new legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 (H.R. 14), which aims to restore key provisions of the original Voting Rights Act that were significantly weakened by the Shelby County decision and to ensure robust federal oversight where necessary; and
WHEREAS, this proposed law provides a framework to prevent new discriminatory practices and protect the voting rights of all citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court in considering Louisiana v. Callais appears open to at least weakening the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 in a way that could limit minority representation in Congress. The court’s decision will almost certainly have sweeping implications, potentially reducing minority representation not only in Congress but also in state legislatures and school boards across the country; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 14 seeks to address new forms of voter suppression, such as restrictive ID laws, voter roll purges, and reduced polling locations, and protect the voting rights of marginalized groups including minorities, the elderly, and low-income citizens; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 14 will help safeguard minority representation in Congress, state legislatures, and local government bodies, and supports equitable redistricting and prevents discriminatory practices that dilute the voting power of communities of color; and
WHEREAS, the Act also requires states with concerning voting changes to pre-clear those changes with federal authorities, and increases transparency in voting practices, building public trust in the electoral process; and
WHEREAS, by reinforcing the principles of fairness, equality, and accessibility, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 strengthens the foundation of American democracy and ensures that the fundamental right to vote remains protected for future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners strongly urge the United States House of Representatives to pass H.R. 14, the “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025” in order to strengthen the foundation of American democracy and ensure that the fundamental right to vote remains protected; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the Illinois’ Congressional delegation, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders, to underscore the importance and urgency of passing this legislation.
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