H.R.14 - John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025, aims to amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to update the criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions are subject to Section 4, thus reinstating federal oversight of voting practices in areas with a history of discrimination. The bill introduces a revised formula based on recent voting rights violations to trigger federal intervention. It also seeks to enhance transparency in election administration and provide broader authority to the Attorney General to enforce voting rights.
Furthermore, the act addresses vote dilution, denial, and abridgment claims, clarifying the standards for proving discriminatory voting practices. It expands the types of violations that can trigger court jurisdiction and allows for administrative bailout for political subdivisions demonstrating a clean record on voting rights. The bill also includes provisions for attorney's fees and technical amendments to strengthen the enforcement of voting rights.
In short, the bill aims to modernize and strengthen the Voting Rights Act to combat contemporary forms of voter suppression and discrimination.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of H.R. 14 would be increased federal oversight of elections in states and political subdivisions with a recent history of voting rights violations. This could lead to changes in voting procedures and practices to ensure compliance with federal standards.
It could also empower minority voters by providing them with stronger legal recourse against discriminatory practices and increasing their ability to elect candidates of their choice. The increased transparency requirements could also lead to greater public awareness of changes in election administration.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened protections against voter suppression and discrimination, particularly for minority voters.
- Increased federal oversight in jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations, ensuring fair elections.
- Enhanced transparency in election administration, promoting public trust and accountability.
- Expanded legal recourse for individuals and groups challenging discriminatory voting practices.
- Potential for increased voter turnout and participation, especially among historically disenfranchised communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased litigation and legal challenges related to voting practices.
- Concerns about federal overreach into state and local election administration.
- Possible administrative burdens and costs associated with compliance, especially for smaller jurisdictions.
- Risk of partisan disputes over the interpretation and enforcement of the Act.
- Potential for unintended consequences or unforeseen challenges in implementing the new provisions.
Constitutional Alignment
H.R. 14 aligns with the 14th and 15th Amendments, which guarantee equal protection under the law and prohibit denying or abridging the right to vote based on race or color. The bill seeks to enforce these constitutional guarantees by providing mechanisms to prevent and remedy discriminatory voting practices.
Section 2 of the 15th Amendment grants Congress the power to enforce the amendment through appropriate legislation, providing a constitutional basis for the Act. The bill's provisions on preclearance and federal oversight are intended to ensure that state and local election laws do not violate these constitutional principles.
However, some may argue that certain provisions of the bill, such as the preclearance requirements, could infringe upon states' rights to administer their own elections, potentially raising federalism concerns under the 10th Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).