Washington, D.C. - Following today’s announcement by Attorney General Merrick Garland that the Justice Department will double its staff devoted to enforcing voting rights, in addition to intensifying scrutiny of new state voting laws and post-election audits, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:
"It is very heartening to see our Justice Department respond to the voting rights emergency sweeping our country. We’re especially encouraged to hear that the Civil Rights Division, under the direction of a true civil rights champion, Kristen Clarke, will be gaining much-needed capacity to enforce voting rights. The attorney general’s announcement today that the division will double its enforcement staff and take strong measures to counteract voter suppression and racist gerrymandering is welcome and a sign that the department is truly entering a new era. At the same time, the attorney general was right when he noted that the Supreme Court’s disastrous Shelby decision robbed the government of vital tools to protect voting rights, and that we need both the For the People Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Act to fully protect the right to vote. We urge Congress to pass both measures as soon as possible.”
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.