McClellan Honors 60th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act By Introducing Bill to Combat Modern-Day Voter Suppression and Intimidation

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced H.R. 4894, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, to address the rise in deceptive voter suppression practices and intimidation in federal elections. The bill is cosponsored by 32 House Members. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) plans to introduce the Senate companion legislation.

In response to an increase in misinformation and intimidation surrounding federal elections and continued efforts to undermine fair and free elections, H.R. 4894 criminalizes knowingly spreading false information about the time, place, or manner of voting, or voter qualifications, and threatening or coercing individuals to not vote or vote a certain way. 

“In a government by, of and for the people, the right to vote is sacred. Yet, my great-grandfather had to take a literacy test and find three white men to vouch for him before he could exercise that right. My grandfather and father had to pay poll taxes to register to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 ended such voter suppression tactics. Now, 60 years later, we are witnessing new voter suppression and intimidation tactics to erode that progress. I will fight to protect everyone’s right to vote from these new threats,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “That’s why I introduced a bill to better uphold free and fair elections — because every American should be able to access reliable information about elections and vote the way they choose, without being intimidated or intentionally deceived.”

“This new age of misinformation and disinformation threatens to leave our electoral process vulnerable to bad actors who would seek to mislead voters, suppress turnout, and sow chaos. At a time when many are working to undermine confidence in our elections, it is essential that we put in place protections against these malicious tactics,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “As a proud daughter of Selma and the Representative of Alabama’s Civil Rights district, I am proud to join Congresswoman McClellan in introducing this legislation which would safeguard reliable information for voters so that they can make well informed decisions at the polls.”

“The freedom to vote includes the freedom to access accurate information about our elections. Those looking to intimidate and spread false information about our free and fair elections must be held accountable — the strength of our democracy depends on it,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “I am proud to work alongside my friend, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who has worked tirelessly for years to strengthen our voting rights. Together, I know we can get this done.” 

The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act would:

• Assign criminal penalties for deceptive practices and intimidation;
• Require authorities to take corrective actions when disinformation is reported; 
• Mandate reporting by the DOJ after each general election on deceptive practices complaints received; and 
• Address challenges created by new artificial intelligence-generated disinformation 

The legislation is endorsed by the Brennan Center for Justice, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, People For the American Way, End Citizens United, and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. 

Read the full bill text here.