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John R. Lewis Act: Strengthening Voting Rights, Oversight, and Election Security.

This Act significantly strengthens federal voting rights protections, making it easier for citizens and the Attorney General to challenge discriminatory practices. It reintroduces federal oversight (preclearance) for states and subdivisions with a history of violations and mandates greater transparency regarding changes in voting procedures. Crucially, it establishes new criminal penalties for intimidating election workers and damaging election infrastructure.
Key points
Restores federal oversight (preclearance) over voting law changes in jurisdictions with a proven history of racial or language minority discrimination.
Makes it easier to legally challenge voting practices that disproportionately burden racial or language minority groups by setting clearer legal standards.
Introduces criminal penalties for intimidating election workers or damaging polling places, enhancing the security of the electoral process.
Requires greater transparency: state and local authorities must quickly notify the public of any changes to voting procedures, locations, and resources (e.g., number of voting machines).
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_4
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Process start date: 2024-02-29