The Rhode Island Voting Access Coalition called on state lawmakers on Mar. 31 to enact a state-level Voting Rights Act, citing ongoing legal and political challenges to voting protections at the federal level. The effort has received support from Secretary of State Gregg Amore, Senate President Valarie Lawson, House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian, and members of the state’s congressional delegation.
Advocates say that local action is necessary as court cases and proposed federal legislation threaten longstanding voting rights. John Marion, Executive Director of Common Cause Rhode Island, said, “Rhode Islanders cannot wait until every piece of the federal Voting Rights Act is dismantled to have their voting rights protected. We need protections now so we are not hanging on every court case and every piece of federal legislation to see if we will be denied our rights.”
Senate President Lawson said she was proud to sponsor the act and thanked her colleagues for supporting efforts “to defend Rhode Island’s most basic rights and values.” House Majority Whip Kazarian added that “there is nothing more un-American than the suppression, obstruction of and discrimination against an individual’s right to vote for their elected leaders,” emphasizing that the new law would help safeguard this right against external threats.
Secretary Amore said he was committed “to doing everything I can to protect every eligible Rhode Islander’s right to vote,” stating it was important for the state “to enshrine Rhode Islanders’ rights in State law.” Congressman Seth Magaziner described free elections as foundational: “Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy… I am proud to support the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act, which will protect Rhode Islanders against racial gerrymandering, voter intimidation, and other attempts to undermine the democratic process even if the federal Voting Rights Act is undermined at the federal level.”
Community advocates also voiced concerns about barriers facing marginalized groups. Shahidah Ali said creating a state act would help protect Black communities as well as other historically dismissed groups. Arlette Hidalgo noted language access issues: “Even if you have the ability to vote, si no entiendes el idioma, no es accesible,” adding in English that true accessibility requires understanding.
Common Cause Rhode Island promotes equity and racial inclusion statewide according to its official website. The organization works as a nonpartisan group with members in all 39 cities and towns according to its official website, aiming for open government reforms such as same-day voter registration and fair redistricting according to its official website. It was established following John Gardner’s call for a people’s lobby led by Natalie C. Joslin according to its official website.
Congressman Gabe Amo warned about recent proposals at the national level: “At the federal level… Congressional Republicans are trying … [to] make it harder for married women, military families, and seniors to vote. I’m glad Rhode Islanders are fighting back…”
Supporters say passing a state-level act could ensure lasting protection regardless of future changes in Washington or Supreme Court decisions.
