Rhode Island Voting Rights Act (S 3143, H 8334)

This bill which would establish a state voting rights act that is largely based on the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. Such action at the state level is essential in order to preserve this fundamental right, especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s continued actions undermining the scope of that historic law. The bill would prevent discrimination in voting, and like the federal VRA, would establish a private right of action and would also allow prevailing plaintiffs to recover their attorneys’ fees.