The right to vote in Rhode Island must be protected.

The Supreme Court has gutted the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, leaving Rhode Island voters without long-standing protections.

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A series of Supreme Court rulings, and changes in enforcement by the Department of Justice, has all but eliminated the protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, often referred to as the “crown jewel” of legislation passed in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement.

These federal actions have left room for Rhode Island to act, by enacting our own Rhode Island Voting Rights Act that will fill the void and protect voters of color, language minorities, and others.

Rhode Island must act NOW to protect voting rights.

  • RIVRA supporters gather with legislators at RIVRA Press Conference

  • Rep. Kazarian speaks to crowd at RIVRA Press Conference

  • Advocates gather for Creative Lobby Day at State House

  • Supporter holds "Protect Your Vote" postcard

  • Supporters sit together at the RIVRA press conference

  • Voting rights advocates pictured together at the Rhode Island State House

  • Supporter holds sign saying "Protect Your Vote and Union Rights"

  • Advocates hold "Protect Your Vote" Signs on the House Chamber floor

  • Senate President Lawson speaks to attendees at the RIVRA Press Conference

  • Supporters and legislators pictures with RIVRA postcards and RIVRA t-shirts

  • RIVRA advocates meet with legislators on the House Chamber floor

The Rhode Island Voting Rights Act did not pass during the 2026 General Assembly session, but our fight is not over yet.

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“Passing a Rhode Island Voting Rights Act is not optional – it is a moral obligation. It is how we draw a line and say that in this state ... we will protect Black voters, we will protect marginalized communities and we will defend the fundamental right to vote.”

— Shahidah Ali, political action committee chair, Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women