EMILYs List Statement on the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

For Immediate Release
August 6, 2020

EMILYs List Statement on the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, honored the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILYs List, released the following statement:
 
 “Voting is an integral part of our democracy. Fifty-five years ago, thanks to the tireless work of the women and men of the civil rights movement, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed landmark legislation to protect every American's right to vote. Today, that sacred right is increasingly under siege. In 2020, communities of color, seniors, and people with disabilities are still being suppressed and targeted with racist voting laws that rig our system blocking free and fair elections. We must restore confidence in our elections, and it’s imperative that we restore the Voting Rights Act.
 
Voting in this country has always ensured our ideals are represented, in city councils, statehouses, and at the highest levels of government. We must honor the legacy of the great Congressman John Lewis and ensure that the means by which Americans choose their elected leaders is an inclusive process so every person’s voice can be heard and be counted. At EMILY's List, we are proud to help elect women who will support the advancement of every American’s sacred right to the ballot box.”
 
EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $600 million to elect pro-choice Democratic women candidates. With a grassroots community of over five million members, EMILY's List helps Democratic women win competitive campaigns – across the country and up and down the ballot – by recruiting and training candidates, supporting strong campaigns, researching the issues that impact women and families, and turning out women voters to the polls. Since our founding in 1985, we have helped elect 150 women to the House, 26 to the Senate, 16 governors, and nearly 1,100 women to state and local office. Nearly 40 percent of the candidates EMILYs List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color. During the historic 2017-2018 cycle, EMILYs List raised a record-breaking $110 million and launched a record independent expenditure campaign. We helped elect 34 new women to the House, including 24 red-to-blue victories; enough seats to have delivered the U.S. House majority alone. Since the 2016 election, more than 55,000 women have reached out to EMILY's List about running for office laying the groundwork for the next decade of candidates for local, state, and national offices.