BATON ROUGE, LA — A hearing will be held on State Senator Royce Duplessis’s Louisiana Voting Rights Act (SB 365), marking a pivotal and historic moment for voting rights in Louisiana and a critical time for our democracy. This is not about expanding federal authority—it’s about defining how Louisiana upholds fair and consistent elections under its own laws..
“Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and this legislation is about making sure that foundation is strong for everyone,” said Sen. Duplessis. “The Louisiana Voting Rights Act will ensure that every voter, regardless of who they are or where they live, has a fair opportunity to participate and have their voice heard.”
The legislation comes at a time of heightened concern about voting access nationwide and seeks to address longstanding inequities that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and other marginalized voters in Louisiana. The Louisiana Voting Rights Act has garnered broad legislative support, with over 30 co-authors backing the legislation.
“The Louisiana Voting Rights Act is about protecting Louisiana voters –protecting their voice, their access to the ballot, and their ability to have their vote counted and matter,” said Ashley Shelton, President and CEO of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. “At a time when the pillars of our democracy are under daily attack at the federal level, the moment for action at the state level could not be greater. It is beyond dispute that Black, Brown, and other voters of color, as well as voters with disabilities, face disproportionate barriers to the ballot. We urge the legislature to pass the Louisiana Voting Rights Act as swiftly as possible.”
“Black voters in Louisiana have faced discrimination for the state’s entire history — it’s high time we enact protections to ensure all voters in our state have an equal opportunity to cast a ballot that will be counted and to do so on fair maps,” said Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of the Legal Defense Fund. “Everyone deserves the chance to participate in elections without facing discriminatory barriers to the ballot or having to worry about whether their vote will be weakened. Passage of the Louisiana VRA would be a crucial step to enact safeguards that will ensure fair access and representation become the bedrock of Louisiana’s democracy.”
Key provisions of the Louisiana Voting Rights Act include:
- Establishing a state-level cause of action to challenge discriminatory voting laws and practices
- Expanding protections for voters facing systemic barriers
- Increasing transparency and accountability in election administration
- Strengthening legal tools to ensure fair representation and access
If passed, the Louisiana Voting Rights Act would position the state as a leader in protecting voting rights at the state level and ensuring that every vote counts.
“I welcome input from colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen this framework as we move throughout this legislative session,” said Senator Duplessis.