Protect promise of Voting Rights Act

This month marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, landmark legislation that secured the right to vote for millions of disenfranchised Americans and laid the foundation for more fair, inclusive and accessible elections across the country.

The act has guided election authorities like the Cook County Clerk’s Office to protect and expand access to the ballot. But today, the values at the heart of that legislation are under renewed threat. Across the nation, restrictive voting laws, voter roll purges and disinformation campaigns are chipping away at the hard-won progress of the past 60 years.

The right to vote faces mounting challenges, particularly for voters of color, seniors, people with disabilities and young or first-time voters. In this climate, the role of local election officials has never been more critical, as county and municipal clerk’s offices remain on the front lines of democracy.

At the Cook County Clerk’s Office, we are leaning in on efforts to expand voter education and outreach, particularly in underserved communities. It also means making voting more accessible by increasing early voting locations and reducing language barriers.

In next year’s gubernatorial election, we are also planning a first-of-its-kind initiative at several suburban high schools to engage and empower first-time voters. We also continue to work to protect trust in our elections through tools like our Trusted Source webpage, which offers concise information about election integrity and how your vote is protected.

As the election authority for suburban Cook County, I pledge to carry forward the promise of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure that every eligible resident has the right to vote and to do so without obstruction or fear.

Democracy doesn’t just live in Washington — it lives right here in Cook County in every polling place and with every ballot cast.

Monica Gordon

Cook County Clerk