“This conference and the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act are particularly relevant as New Orleans faces its first election since Katrina slammed our coast,” Jefferson said. “There is a grave risk of disenfranchisement for those displaced by Katrina because they may not be able to make it to the polling stations in New Orleans or have certain access to an absentee ballot.  As Americans, we need to pay close attention to these possibilities, because it could be the first time since the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965 that we see such a massive disenfranchisement of voters.”

 In anticipation of a Voting Rights Act reauthorization vote, the Foundation has invited a number of voters, civil rights advocates, voting rights proponents, prominent scholars, legislators, public policy analysts and citizens to participate in a one-day conference on the Voting Rights Act entitled, “Strengthening Diversity in Democracy.”  The Conference will bring many of the debates about the Voting Rights Act that have been occurring in congressional committee rooms, at think tanks, and in the halls of academia out of those settings and into the public eye so that as Members move forward to reauthorize this legislation they may consider the bill’s importance in our democratic society.

 “I hope this conference will shed light on the continuing need for the Voting Rights Act and how we can and should be more proactive in preserving our constitutional right to vote, whether living in our voting district or displaced due to a natural or man-made disaster.”

 The conference is open to the public.  Because space is limited, organizers ask that attendees RSVP by going to www.cbcfinc.org or calling 202-263-2835.  For more information about the conference, please contact Patty Rice, Communication and PR Manager, at 202-263-2829 or price@cbcfinc.org.