HR4 John Lewis Voting Rights Act Mouse Mat

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act, also known as the H.R. 4 bill in the House of Representatives, seeks to restore provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 requiring some states to pre-clear changes to their voting laws with the federal government before enacting them as state law. This is important legislation in preserving the ability of all voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote without unfair restrictions. Recent state initiatives aimed at redistricting, reducing voting hours and locations, requiring photo ID, limiting early voting and mail-in voting, have the effect of suppressing the vote, especially among minority voters. This legislation is named for Representative John Lewis of Georgia, an early civil rights activists and Congressman.