League of Women Voters Applauds DOJ’s Increased Commitment to Protecting Voting Rights

Civil Rights Division will double staff to investigate and litigate disparities of voting access 

WASHINGTON—Today, League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Virginia Kase Solomón issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Merrick Garland’s announcement that the Department of Justice will double the Civil Rights Division's enforcement staff for protecting voting rights. 

“We applaud the Department of Justice’s decision to expand the critically important Civil Rights Division to better protect the freedom to vote for all Americans, particularly individuals of color, who are most often targeted by anti-voter measures. Earlier this year, the League of Women Voters joined partners in asking for this type of commitment from our Department of Justice to safeguard the most sacred right in our democracy. 

“The extreme surge in anti-voter bills over the past six months constitutes an assault on voting rights like we haven’t seen in decades. It is vital that the Justice Department scrutinize these measures and oppose efforts to limit access for people of color with the full force of federal law. We believe this will go a long way in encouraging voter participation among all Americans.  

“We likewise agree with Attorney General Garland that Congress has the power and the duty to enact national standards for voting access. The League continues to urge the Senate to pass the For the People Act and ensure that all Americans have the freedom to make their voices heard in our democracy.” 

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PRESS CONTACT: Kayla Vix | 202-809-9668 | [email protected]