Freedom to Vote Act Reintroduced in US Congress

8/7/23

In Illinois, the right to vote is a priority—and we have laws to prove it. Illinois laws provide some of the strongest voting rights protections in the country. And yet, until there are national voter protections and standards, federal elections are open to partisan manipulation. Which means the rights of all voters are at risk, even those in Illinois.

The Freedom to Vote Act was reintroduced in both the US Senate and US House of Representatives on July 18 to set national voting standards and expand Americans' access to the ballot box.

The 2023 re-introduction of the Freedom to Vote Act is “a strong step toward enacting pro-voter reforms,” according to League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Virginia Kase Solomón, though she added that "while the League of Women Voters is pleased to see this bill introduced again, we are disappointed it is not introduced with bipartisan support.”

Bipartisan support from our polarized congress is crucial for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act. Voting is the foundation of our democracy—our government is built on the premise of representation. Voices that are not heard are not represented.

In 2023, more than 320 bills restricting voting access were introduced in state legislatures nationwide. Many of these appear harmless on their face, yet make voting harder for specific communities. 

According to the Brennan Center for Democracy, “the Freedom to Vote Act would establish baseline national standards that protect the ballot and fortify our elections against sabotage. It would ban partisan gerrymandering and counter big money in politics, and it would protect voters of color.”

Federal primary elections begin in half a year. Let your congresspersons know that you expect action today. The voting rights of every voter must be protected. Contact your representatives with this quick and easy form.