Statement from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Voting Rights Legislation

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated commends the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the For the People Act (H.R. 1) earlier this year and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4) this week. These crucial bills will protect our democracy by ensuring fair elections and unfettered access to the ballot box, ending gerrymandering in redistricting processes, and giving our nation tools to address discriminatory election practices. With over 350,000 initiated members and over 1,000 chapters worldwide, Delta Sigma Theta stands with prominent human and civil rights organizations to call on the U.S. Senate to act on these two important bills.

Delta Sigma Theta asks all members and allies to contact their U.S. Senators and demand passage of the For the People and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Acts. Further, Deltas will call on Senate leadership to eliminate the filibuster, so these crucial bills have a chance at passage. An antiquated procedural tactic should not stand in the way of essential voting rights protections for all Americans.

The time to act is now. We cannot wait any longer for Congress to ensure access to the ballot box for all citizens, restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and stop insidious attempts to suppress the votes of citizens of color.