Lake County Gazette

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) has signed on as cosponsor of the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2017, according to a press release.

The civil rights legislation is an update of the Voting Rights Act, which became law on Aug. 6, 1965. It will change the provisions in the law regarding federal court review of a state or municipality accused of discriminatory election practices.

"The bill recognizes the importance of preclearance, but applies it evenly across all 50 states," the press release said. "Under the new law, any state or jurisdiction that demonstrates a consistent pattern of discriminatory voting practices would be subject to preclearance. When the discrimination stops, the jurisdiction would automatically be freed from the requirement."

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) | Congress.gov

Hultgren praised the U.S. Supreme Court for deeming the previous provisions unconstitutional in Shelby County v. Holder.

“As a proud member of the Party of Lincoln from the Land of Lincoln, I take great pride—and responsibility—in promoting a strong republic where all women and men are equal and a part of the system that chooses our leaders and promotes a more just society," Hultgren said in the statement. "Federal preclearance provisions are vital for protecting against potential infringements on our society’s foundational right to vote through local laws targeting minority communities."