Signing of the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act
Thursday, July 27, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington Contact: Tommy Vietor or Robert Gibbs, (202) 228-5511
Illinois Contact: Julian Green, (312) 886-0480
Date: July 27, 2006
Obama Statement on the Signing of the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) Thursday released the following statement about the President's signing of the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act:
"Forty years ago, the signing of the Voting Rights act marked the culmination of a movement where ordinary Americans faced down beatings and billy clubs, fire hoses and jail cells so that their voice might be heard. Since that day, this law has been a critical tool in ensuring that all Americans not only have the right to vote, but the right to have their vote counted.
"Today, thanks to members of the civil rights community and leaders from both political parties, we renew that law and recommit ourselves to eliminating the obstacles that still stand between the ballot box and too many Americans. As we move forward, I hope we can build on the success of this reauthorization effort and keep in our hearts the memory of those who sacrificed so much to fulfill the promise of American democracy."