Pallone Calls Attention to Importance of Protecting Voting Rights 50 Years After VRA Signed into Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2015

Discussion of Voting Rights Protection at Church Where First Black Voter was Parishioner and is Buried

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Today at Perth Amboy’s historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) held a discussion with New Jersey residents and community leaders on the importance of restoring the Voting Rights Act 50 years after it was signed into law, and protecting the voting rights of all Americans. Congressman Pallone also honored the memory of those who marched in support of voting rights in 1965 and paid tribute to Thomas Mundy Peterson, the first black voter in the U.S., who was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and is buried in its cemetery.

“I am honored to bring voting rights protection to the forefront at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, the resting place of Thomas Mundy Peterson – our country’s first ever black voter, who was a parishioner here,” said Congressman Pallone. “We have come a long way since the Voting Rights Act was signed into law 50 years ago and an even longer way since we amended our constitution 145 years ago, allowing Mr. Peterson to vote, but we can never forget the struggles and sacrifices of the past.”

Pallone is a co-sponsor of the Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would strengthen the law and restore the key enforcement provision of the Voting Rights Act invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. In that decision, Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged the persistence of voter discrimination and challenged Congress to come up with a new coverage formula to protect against it. However, in the two years since then, Republican leaders in Congress have blocked action on legislation that has been introduced to respond to the Supreme Court decision and restore the VRA.

“In its most basic form, the struggle over the right to vote is between those who wish to expand access to the ballot box and those who wish to restrict it,” added Pallone. “In the face of opposition, a renewed commitment to restoring and protecting voting rights is especially necessary. Congress has a responsibility to come together to restore the Voting Rights Act and allow for every American to fully participate in our democracy through the basic right to vote.”

In addition to Congressman Pallone’s remarks, the event featured a welcome and invocation by Reverend Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffery; remarks from Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz; a reading of the Voting Rights Act by Melvinia L. Knight, 1st Vice President, Perth Amboy Area NAACP; a presentation of an essay on getting to vote for the first time next year by Stephanie Rodriguez, a student at Colonia High School; remarks on Thomas Mundy Peterson by Perth Amboy Council President Lisa Nanton; and a discussion by Corrine Spencer, a Perth Amboy resident who lived in Charleston, South Carolina during segregation and voted for the first time when she moved to New Jersey.

August 6, 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law.

President Obama's Weekly Address 8/8/15: Reaffirming Our Commitment to Protecting the Right to Vote

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, the President celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by underscoring the importance of one of the most fundamental rights of our democracy – that all of us are created equal and that each of us deserves a voice. The enactment of the Voting Rights Act wasn’t easy – it was the product of sacrifice from countless men and women who risked so much to protect every person’s right to vote.

The President reminded us about their struggle and that while our country is a better place because of it, there is still work to be done. He promised to continue to push Congress for new legislation to protect everyone’s right to the polls, and asked that all Americans regardless of party use every opportunity possible to exercise the fundamental right to vote.

Christie Blasts Democrats For Taking Inner City Votes For Granted, Yet 13 days Later, He Still Hasn't Read the Supreme Court's Decision on the Voting Rights Act

Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor


Thirteen days after the Supreme Court overturned a key section of the Voting Rights Act, Governor Christie still has not offered his opinion on the decision nor has he bothered to even read it. While the Governor claims that the Democratic Party takes inner city voters for granted, his refusal to take a stand against the Supreme Court's decision showcases his true colors. At a time when voting rights are under attack, Governor Christie has a responsibility to speak up for what's right instead of playing political games and remaining silent.



From Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors: “This decision has the potential to set voting rights back more than fifty years.”

NJSCNAACP President James Harris: “It is disappointing that the US Supreme Court has invalidated one of the most powerful weapons that was used to insure the right to vote without intimidation and voter suppression.”

Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO, NAACP: “This decision is outrageous. The Court’s majority put politics over decades of precedent and the rights of voters.”

Richard Cohen, Southern Poverty Law Center: "In its decision to gut key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, the court brushed aside the considered judgment of a nearly unanimous Congress and opened the door to new forms of discrimination against minority voters."

Mark Morial, National Urban League: "... Let's be clear. This is undoubtedly a bad decision. The Voting Rights Act was necessary in 1965 and remains so in 2013.”

Rep. John Lewis: "Today, the Supreme Court stuck a dagger into the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most effective pieces of legislation Congress has passed in the last 50 years."

We Have To Act

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter

Last week, I attended President Obama’s speech at Georgetown University where he outlined his Climate Action Plan. The crisis in not waning. We have to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We have a moral obligation to act.

As the climate changes there will be stronger superstorms, worse floods, more withering droughts, and more intense wildfires. These natural disasters are already imposing horrific costs in dollars and lives.

The science is overwhelming, but many of my colleagues in Congress would prefer to deepen our dependence on fossil fuels. President Obama must do all he can administratively to reduce carbon pollution and mitigate the threats of global climate change while Congress fiddles. As a scientist and an elected leader I remain committed to even stronger legislative action in the fight against climate change.

One Step Forward, One Giant Leap Backwards

The Supreme Court finally overturned the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a founding member of the Equality Caucus, I have long supported marriage equality. The Courts ruling to end of DOMA is an important step in our nation’s efforts to extend the civil rights of all Americans. But we must go further. Last week, I joined my colleagues in the house in reintroducing the Respect for Marriage Act to ensure respect for State regulation of marriage. It is past time for Governor Christie to stop blocking same-sex marriage in New Jersey.

Sadly, while the Court overturned DOMA, it also struck down an essential part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which has helped guarantee the right to vote for every American regardless of their race.

By forbidding the Department of Justice from acting to prevent voter discrimination in America, the Supreme Court leaves no option but for Congress to act, if we are to be true to our founding values of liberty and justice for all. I look forward to working with Civil Rights icon Representative John Lewis to correct this decision and protect the voting rights all Americans.

Honoring Their Service

I was recently contacted by the spouse of a Marine Corps veteran who could not be buried with full military honors because of missing paperwork. After contacting the relevant officials to cut through the red tape the veteran was laid to rest with the dignity and respect he had earned.

If you need help to resolve a problem with a government agency please let me know so I can do everything possible to help. You can call 1-87-RUSH-HOLT or send an e-mail at http://holt.house.gov/contact.



Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress