Representatives Jackson, Pocan, and Khanna Introduce Constitutional Amendment on the Right to Vote

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June 10, 2026 [email protected]

Representatives Jackson, Pocan, and Khanna Introduce Constitutional Amendment on the Right to Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced a constitutional amendment to establish an affirmative right to vote, strengthening and safeguarding voting rights amid growing concerns over voter suppression and restrictive voting laws.

"Most Americans assume that the right to vote in our democracy is guaranteed in our Constitution" said Rep. Jackson. "In reality, the U.S. Constitution only provides protections against discrimination in voting. While voting rights are under attack by the President and his hand-picked Supreme Court, I will continue to fight to defend our most sacred right. My amendment will ensure that no future administration can finish the attack on voting rights that have threatened voting access since the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It will foster hope and empower every citizen to participate in our democracy."

Voting in the United States operates under the constitutional principle of states' rights. The 10th Amendment to the Constitution states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Since the word "vote" appears in the Constitution only with respect to non-discrimination, the right to vote falls to the states. Only a constitutional amendment would establish a clear, nationwide, guarantee of the right to vote for all Americans.

"Democracy works best when everyone participates," said Rep. Pocan. "Across the country, elected officials from President Trump on down are attempting to disenfranchise voters and restrict access to the ballot box through any loophole they can find, all for their own political gain. The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy and it is far too important to be left open to interpretation. A constitutional amendment would ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts the same. As one of the world's leading democracies, we must demand of ourselves what we demand of others: a guaranteed right to vote for all. I'm grateful to be working with Reps. Jackson and Khanna to help lead this effort."

"This modern-day Dred Scott Supreme Court is launching an attack on voting rights not seen since Reconstruction. I'm proud to join my colleagues Rep. Jackson and Rep. Pocan and introduce a constitutional amendment that will block future administrations from threatening the voting rights of Americans," said Rep. Ro Khanna.

The absence of an absolute right to vote in the Constitution underscores the urgent need for this constitutional amendment, ensuring that every U.S. citizen of legal voting age has the right to cast a ballot. The amendment will also fill gaps in the existing mosaic of federal voting protections, combining constitutional clarity, nationwide consistency, and broadened access. It would require uniform national standards for elections, mandate same-day registration, and grant explicit enforcement authority to Congress.

By enshrining an affirmative right to vote in the Constitution, this amendment would help secure the promise of equal democratic participation and ensure that every eligible American has a voice in shaping the nation's future.

Original Cosponsors: Reps. Cleo Fields (LA-06), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Angie Craig (MN-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Dina Titus (NV-1), John Larsen (CT-01), Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Stansbury (NM-01)

Bill Text Available Here

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