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Should Congress Restore Federal Preclearance of State Voting-Law Changes?

The bill would restore federal review of voting changes in certain jurisdictions. Supporters cite protecting voters; opponents cite federal overreach and outdated criteria. Where do you land?

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The case for

Restoring preclearance could block discriminatory voting changes before they take effect.

Source: NAACP Legal Defense Fund

The case against

Critics say federal preclearance intrudes on state authority and relies on contested criteria.

Source: Heritage Foundation

My Democracy doesn’t take a side — you choose your position below, and your message carries it. Sources represent one organization on each side; they don’t reflect My Democracy’s position.

This campaign is about this bill

H.R. 14: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025

What it does

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights.A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years:15 or more voti

Sponsor: Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7] (D-AL)Cosponsors: 220

Latest action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (Mar 5, 2025)

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What’s your position?

Both sides are laid out above. Your message will carry your position — My Democracy doesn’t take a side.