Governor Quinn Statement on 49th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn issued today a statement on the 49th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965:

"Forty nine years ago today, President Johnson signed one of the most important bills in our nation's history. The Voting Rights Act guarantees that everyone, regardless of race, is treated fairly when they head to the polls.

"In a democracy, it is essential to make your voice heard, and voting is the best way to do that. The Voting Rights Act amplified the voices of millions of people previously left out of the democratic process.

"By protecting the right to vote, the Voting Rights Act strengthened our democracy. It is important that we continue to fight for citizens' rights at the ballot box."