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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A HEARING REGARDING A NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO DEFEND, PROTECT, AND EXPAND THE RIGHT TO VOTE
WHEREAS, the erosion and obstruction of the protections guaranteed under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 signals a troubling return to practices rooted in suppression and exclusion, reinforcing the oppressive notion that the right to vote, especially for Black Americans and underserved communities, remains conditional rather than guaranteed; and
WHEREAS, the right to vote is the foundation of American democracy and has been secured through the sacrifice, courage, and leadership of those who refused to accept exclusion, particularly Black Americans who fought for full participation in this democracy; and
WHEREAS, the decision in Shelby County v. Holder eliminated federal preclearance protections, removing a critical safeguard that once prevented discriminatory voting laws before they took effect; and
WHEREAS, in the absence of preclearance, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has become the primary remaining federal tool to challenge discriminatory voting laws after harm occurs; and
WHEREAS, recent Supreme Court decisions, including Louisiana v. Callais, have narrowed how courts interpret Section 2 by raising the threshold for proving discrimination and limiting the ability of impacted communities to successfully challenge laws that disproportionately burden Black voters and other underserved populations; and
WHEREAS, these rulings have made it more difficult to hold jurisdictions accountable for policies that result in unequal access to voting, effectively weakening the enforcement power of federal protection at a time when they are most needed; and
WHEREAS, data demonstrates that barriers to voting, including polling place closures, longer wait times, and restrictive voting policies, disproportionately impact Black voters, low-income communities, seniors, and working families; and
WHEREAS, Cook County, as one of the most diverse counties in the United States, reflects the full spectrum of American communities and has a responsibility to ensure that democracy remains accessible, equitable, and protected for all; and
WHEREAS, safeguarding the right to vote is not a partisan issue, but a national obligation grounded in fairness, representation and equal voices; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. Cook County Declares Voting Rights Non-Negotiable
Anything less is a direct affront to the many men and women who gave their lives to secure this right. The right to vote must be protected and guaranteed for every eligible citizen without discrimination, without burden, and without delay.
2. Cook County Calls for the Full Restoration and Strengthening of Federal Protections
Cook County urges Congress to restore and modernize the protection of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, including reinstating effective preclearance standards and strengthening Section 2 to ensure discriminatory voting laws can be challenged and prevented.
3. Cook County Rejects Voter Suppression in All Forms
We stand firmly opposed to any law, policy, or practice that limits, burdens, oppresses, or suppresses access to the ballot, whether direct, indirect, or systemic.
4. Cook County Centers Equity as a National Standard
We must act with intention of protecting communities that have historically been denied equal access to the democratic process.
5. Cook County Demands Accountability at Every Level of Government
We call for immediate, measurable action to ensure fair and equal access to voting nationwide and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms that protect voters from discrimination.
6. Cook County Commits to Immediate Action Through Mobilization and Education
We will organize, inform, and equip communities to ensure every eligible voter can fully exercise their rights.
7. Cook County Affirms the Power and Permanence of Black Voices in Democracy
Black voices are essential, enduring, and will not be silenced, suppressed, or diminished.
8. Cook County commits to protecting the rights of all voters.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution, sponsored by Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill, 5th District Cook County Commissioner stands as a call to action for county, state, and national leadership to confront the ongoing weakening of voting rights protections and to act decisively to defend the integrity of American democracy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution will be referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee for a hearing for further discussion.
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