Illinois House Urges Congress to Renew Expiring Provisions of VRA
Feature Story by civilrights.org staff - 2/16/2006
A resolution calling on Congress to reauthorize special provisions of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) enacted to address discriminatory voting practices has passed the Illinois House Election & Campaign Reform Committee unanimously. Advocates expect the resolution to pass the Illinois House this week or next.The resolution is supported by the Illinois ACLU as well as the American Bar Association, among other groups.
Illinois House Resolution 801 acknowledges that the VRA is "widely viewed as one of the most successful civil rights statutes ever enacted" and that as a result of the Act, "racial and language minorities have enjoyed enhanced opportunities to participate in the electoral process, cast votes, and elect their candidates of choice."
By 2007, Congress will vote on whether to extend temporary provisions of the VRA addressing preclearance of proposed changes to voting laws; federal observers and examiners; and language assistance. These provisions will expire unless Congress reauthorizes them.
The resolution urges Congress to renew these provisions and further resolves that the Illinois General Assembly will collaborate with all organizations dedicated to ensuring VRA reauthorization.
Hearings on the impact and effectiveness of the VRA were convened by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution last fall and are expected to continue this spring.
