These Are the Nine Lawmakers from Pennsylvania Who Voted Against Restoring Voting Rights

A poster bearing the image of voting rights icon John Lewis is seen during a news conference after the House of Representatives passed the The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in Washington, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)

By Haley O'Brien

August 25, 2021

The partisan vote for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act illustrates strong divide on American issues as fundamental as the right to vote.

House Democrats passed a bill to restore voting rights. Now it’s up to the US Senate.

The bill, named after the late Georgia Congressman John Lewis, aims to continue his fight to protect Americans’ right to vote.

While every Democrat voted yes, all Republicans voted no on this bill.

President Joe Biden thanked House Democrats and encouraged the Senate to move it forward.

I want to thank everyone who voted today in support of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The House has acted — the Senate must join them and send this important bill, and the For the People Act, to my desk.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 25, 2021

It’s unlikely that it will pass in the Senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the bill “unnecessary,” claiming that voter suppression is not an issue.

What Is the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act?

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that prevent voter suppression, particularly to people of color. States will no longer be able to pass anti-voter laws such as limiting access to polling places or ballot boxes.

This bill reverses a 2013 US Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to change their voting laws without federal approval.

Republicans, who spent the last year discrediting the 2020 presidential election, continue to disagree with Democrats on what a fair election process looks like.

This partisan vote illustrates the strong divide between parties on American issues as fundamental as the right to vote.

Many states are passing new voting restrictions based on #disinformation about the #2020Elections. I voted in favor of #HR4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would #RestoreTheVote. Every American should have equal access to the polls. #HR4 would ensure they do. pic.twitter.com/tFZaVMCTx5
— Mike Doyle (@USRepMikeDoyle) August 25, 2021

Proud to vote for the #JohnLewisVotingRightsAct

The right to vote is sacred.

I mean, how long do we have to sing this song?
— US Rep Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) August 24, 2021