Common sense legislation protects voting rights of minorities, transit riders, all people
Media Contact: David Roscow, 202-537-1645 x254, droscow@atu.org
Washington, DC – The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and Americans for Transit (A4T) released the following statement in response to the introduction of the “Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014:
“We applaud the introduction of this bipartisan legislation that will provide vital protections for all voters against discrimination at the ballot box and ensure every American their right to vote.
“We commend Representatives John Lewis (D-GA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), John Conyers (D-MI), and Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) for their leadership in developing these common sense changes that modernize the Voting Rights Act (VRA).
“This bill will address the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act decision, which turned the clock back to the Jim Crow-era when state laws prevented people of color from voting – creating a permanent underclass in American society. That ruling, which requires that particular picture IDs be provided in order to vote, virtually legalizes voter suppression in those states, and encourages it in others. It especially hurts transit riders, the poor, seniors, and persons with disabilities, who rely on public transit, often don’t possess driver’s licenses, and are vulnerable to disenfranchisement efforts.
“This legislation is an important step forward in fighting voter discrimination that is still a reality in far too many parts of our country. We urge Congress to pass this bipartisan bill to protect the most fundamental right of our country – the right of every American citizen to vote.”
About the ATU
The Amalgamated Transit Union, AFL-CIO, CLC, is the largest international labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of more than 192,000 members in 254 local unions spread across 45 states and nine provinces in Canada. We represent a broad range of frontline transit workers providing public transit, school transportation, intercity bus service, light rail, para transit, ferry services, and maintenance and clerical service as well as firefighters and other municipal employees. The ATU works to promote transit issues and fights for the interests and welfare of its hard-working members and all working people.
About Americans for Transit
Americans for Transit’s mission is to strengthen, create, and unite grassroots transit rider organizations across the United States. A4T aims to create a big-tent coalition of transit riders and advocates to address the pressing transit funding crisis in America. While demand for transit continues to increase, bus and train riders are left stranded. We won’t stand for more service cuts and fare increases. Across America we need more affordable public transportation; not less.