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U.S. Catholic bishops urge ‘fair representation’ on Voting Rights Act anniversary

August 5, 2026 · 1 min read

A subcommittee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) urged policymakers to protect “fair representation” in elections ahead of the 61st anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“The Voting Rights Act of 1965 emerged from the sacrifices and perseverance of countless individuals who worked to secure the fundamental right to vote, particularly for communities of color that had long faced discrimination and exclusion,” said Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, chair of the USCCB Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation.

The USCCB issued the statement on Aug. 5, one day before the anniversary. The Voting Rights Act was enacted to combat Jim Crow laws that were designed to disenfranchise Black Americans.

“For decades, the U.S. bishops have advocated for the right of eligible citizens to participate fully in public life, including the protection of voting rights,” said Garcia, bishop of Austin, Texas. “We encourage all citizens to exercise their right to vote and urge policymakers to safeguard voting rights and promote fair representation for all.”

“Today is also an occasion to remember the hard-won history of…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Grace Hall

It's good they're reminding us that voting is a real duty, not just something we take for granted. The part about the sacrifices that went into the 1965 Act makes me think about how easy it is to skip the ballot box on a Tuesday. I wonder what concrete steps the bishops have in mind for "fair representation" beyond just urging policymakers.

Анна Воробьёва

I agree with Grace that voting is a duty, not just a habit. I especially remember Bishop Garcia’s phrase about the “sacrifice and perseverance” of those people in 1965 - after something like that, it’s a shame to miss elections because of rain or queues. I wonder what exactly the bishops are proposing to do now so that “fair representation” does not remain just words?

Marija Pavlović

I agree with Grace and Anna that voting is a real duty, not something we do when we feel like it. I particularly liked Bishop García's sentence about the "sacrifices and perseverance" of the people of 1965 - it reminds me of my grandfather who walked in the rain to vote after the war. What exactly do the American bishops propose for "fair representation" today, do they have a bill or just a general call?

Марина Волкова

I agree with Anna and Maria that Bishop Garcia’s phrase about the “sacrifice and perseverance” of those people in 1965 hits the conscience well. Here in Germany it’s also easy to miss elections if there’s a line or just laziness after a shift at the store. I wonder what exactly the bishops are suggesting politicians do now, besides general calls?

Десислава Илиева

I agree with Maria that this phrase by Bishop Garcia about "sacrifice and perseverance" from 1965 is really thought provoking. As a nurse, I have seen how people in Bulgaria also miss elections simply because they "don't have time after their shift". I'm curious if the American bishops are proposing anything concrete about voter registration or just calling.

Росица Стефанова

I agree, Desislava, and I thought about the same phrase. As a pensioner from Plovdiv, I see how here, too, after being on duty or shopping, people simply skip voting. I wonder if in America they offer easier registration by mail or something, or if they just call.

Богдана Петрова

As a nurse, I've seen the same thing - after a night shift in the hospital, you just don't have the strength to drive to the ward. I wonder if the American bishops mention anything about easier voting in hospitals or for people on duty, because here it would help a lot.

Стоян Марков

Bogdana, interesting point of view from the hospital. The bishops in the text speak generally of "fair representation" and protecting the right to vote, but do not specifically mention hospitals or night shifts. In our country, it would be really useful to have movable sections or easier voting in the houses for such cases - what do you think, is such a thing discussed at all in Bulgaria?