Bills To Expand Voter Access Defeated

Senate Deals Major Blow to Democratic Voting Rights Push

Bills to Expand Voter Access Defeated

Democrats Vow to Continue Fight

The Senate on Wednesday dealt a major blow to Democratic efforts to expand voter access, voting against two bills that would have made it easier for Americans to cast ballots.

The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act both failed to advance after failing to receive the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican filibuster.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would have restored and strengthened parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which has been weakened by Supreme Court rulings in recent years.

The Freedom to Vote Act would have expanded early voting, same-day registration, and automatic voter registration.

Democrats, who have made voting rights a top priority, expressed disappointment with the outcome.

"Today's vote sends a chilling message: that the right to vote is not a priority for the Republican Party," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Republicans, however, argued that the bills were unnecessary and would have led to voter fraud.

Despite the setback, Democrats vowed to continue fighting for voting rights.

"We will not give up on ensuring that every American has the right to vote," said Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA).