NY Gov. Signs Voting Rights Legislation

New York's Governor, Kathy Hochul (D) signed Voting Rights Legislation Monday, intended to prevent Local Officials from enacting Rules that might suppress People's Voting Rights because of their Race.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, named after the late Civil Rights Activist, who represented Georgia in the U.S. House, makes New York One of the First States, to bring back a Version of a process known as “Preclearance” that was removed by a Landmark Supreme Court Decision in 2013, that made the Preclearance Formula Out-of-Date. But, they told the Federal Government, House and Senate, they should create a New Formula.

Under the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, States and Counites with a Record of Suppressing the Rights of Black Voters had to seek U.S. Justice Department Approval before changing Voting Rules.

Now, Local Governments or School Districts with a Record of Discrimination in New York, must gain Approval from the Attorney General, in order to Pass certain Voting Policies. "We’re going to change our election laws so we no longer hurt minority communities,” Hochul said at a Bill signing Ceremony in Brooklyn.

“I’m so proud to be here to sign this landmark legislation. No state in the nation has stood up with the courage and conviction and the power we have by protecting these important rights,” she said.

The New State Law will also expand Language Assistance for Voters who don’t use English as a First Language, and also provide Legal Tools to fight Discriminatory Voting Provisions.

An effort in the U.S. Congress to revive Parts of the Voting Rights Act Failed to make it through the Senate.

Democrats who back the New York Legislation said Laws like it are still needed. “Just last week, several important races around the country were won by people who deny the validity of elections and who will work to reduce access for voters,” said Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-20th District).

Adam Lioz, a Senior Policy Counsel for the Legal Defense Fund, said the Organization has been working for years to push this Legislation.

“We believe that this is a way for state leaders to step up and protect votes at a time where Black and brown voters are facing the biggest assault on voters rights since Jims Crow,” Lioz said.

The parts of New York Required to get Preclearance before changing Voting Laws will be determined by State Officials, based on a Formula and List of Conditions, in the Legislation.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker