Policy Resolution LJE-18-06

WHEREAS, the incidence of actual voter fraud is at a historically low level nationwide;

WHEREAS, several states have passed new laws restricting the right to vote by requiring strict photo ID requirements, cutting back early voting or absentee voting, or by restricting voter registration;

WHEREAS, collectively, the voter restrictions passed by each state are part of a broader movement to curtail voting rights and make it harder to vote; and

WHEREAS, these new voter restrictions passed by several states are either hindering or acting as a barrier to African Americans who want to vote and therefore has a disproportionately negative impact on communities of color and young voters.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) opposes policies and legislation that curtails voting right in the federal, state, and local electoral process;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL opposes newly enacted voter suppression laws passed by several states;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL membership will update their civic engagement programs to include voter education on the impact of suppressive voting laws and how Americans should properly navigate the barriers implemented by these state laws; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NBCSL send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of Congress, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR: Representative Brenda Gilmore (TN)
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Law, Justice, and Ethics Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Chair: Representative Reginald Meeks (KY)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 2, 2017
• Ratification is certified by: Representative Gregory W. Porter (IN), President