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Bill

Bill

HR 14

Butler, Thomas Elliot; commend

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bruce Williamson

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 enhances voting access, restores preclearance, and protects against discrimination, benefiting marginalized voters nationwide.

House Read and Adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 14

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

Purpose and Intent

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 (HR 14) aims to strengthen and protect voting rights across the United States. Named in honor of the late civil rights leader John R. Lewis, the bill seeks to address ongoing challenges to voting access and ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to vote without discrimination or undue barriers.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to enhance voting rights, including:

  • Restoration of Preclearance: The legislation seeks to restore the preclearance requirement for jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination. This means that certain states and localities would need federal approval before making changes to their voting laws or practices.

  • Expanded Voter Registration: HR 14 proposes automatic and same-day voter registration, making it easier for citizens to register to vote and ensuring that registration is accessible to all.

  • Election Security Measures: The bill includes provisions to enhance the security of voting systems, including requiring the use of paper ballots and risk-limiting audits for federal elections to ensure the integrity of the vote.

  • Protection Against Voter Suppression: The legislation aims to prohibit practices that disproportionately affect minority voters, such as strict voter ID laws and purging of voter rolls without adequate notice.

  • Increased Funding for Voting Access: The bill proposes federal funding to support state and local efforts to improve voting access, including resources for outreach and education about voting rights.

Affected Parties

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 would primarily impact:

  • Voters: Citizens, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, would benefit from enhanced access to voting and protections against discrimination.

  • State and Local Governments: Jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination would need to comply with new federal requirements, including preclearance for voting law changes.

  • Election Officials: Local election officials would receive additional resources and guidance to implement the new measures outlined in the bill.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced in the House on March 5, 2025.

  • Committee Referral: Following its introduction, HR 14 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Conclusion

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 represents a significant legislative effort to safeguard and expand voting rights in the United States. By addressing systemic barriers and enhancing protections for voters, this bill aims to ensure that democracy is accessible to all citizens, honoring the legacy of John R. Lewis and the ongoing fight for civil rights.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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