Minority Leader Harold Jones II Introduces “Henry McNeal Turner Voting Rights Act”

ATLANTA (February 24, 2026) - Last week, Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II (D-Augusta) introduced Senate Bill 536, the "Henry McNeal Turner Voting Rights Act," legislation aimed at prohibiting voter suppression and strengthening protections for voting rights in Georgia by establishing a comprehensive state-level voting rights framework.

"Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and as the Supreme Court has seemingly stepped back from its role as a protector of voting rights, we have seen state legislators across the country attempt to slowly chip away at the civil gains that were fought for and won by the people," said Minority Leader Jones. "It has become clear that states must fight this battle for themselves, and Georgia is now joining that effort by creating its own Voting Rights Act to ensure these foundational liberties are protected. This bill would establish statewide safeguards against voter suppression and dilution by creating legal guardrails such as preclearance, transparency and language access. It provides the tools we need to assure Georgians that their vote is secure and their voice will be heard."

Henry McNeal Turner was a Reconstruction-era Georgia legislator and prominent faith leader who advocated for full citizenship and political power for Black Georgians at a time when those rights were openly under attack. He was among the Black legislators expelled from the Georgia General Assembly in 1868.

Senate Bill 536 would establish the Georgia Voting Rights Commission, as well as the Georgia Voting and Elections Database and Institute, to help develop standards for evaluating voter suppression and voter dilution. The legislation would also require cooperation from state and local agencies to ensure these entities can carry out their duties effectively.

SB 536 is currently assigned to the Senate Committee on Ethics, where it awaits further deliberation.

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Sen. Harold V. Jones II serves as the Democratic Leader. He represents the 22^nd Senate District, which includes portions of Richmond County. He may be reached at 404.656.0036 or via email at [email protected].

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