California Assembly urges Congress to restore Voting Rights Act protections, passes AJR 31
May 14, 2026 | California State Assembly, House, Legislative, California
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The California State Assembly on May 15 adopted Assembly Joint Resolution 31 calling on Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, passing the symbolic measure 58–8 after an extended floor debate.
Assemblymember Brian, the resolution's author, framed AJR 31 as a response to recent court decisions and actions in other states that he said were “rollback[s] of voting rights” and warned they threaten representation for marginalized communities. “Republicans on this floor just tried to stop us from even discussing the voting rights violations that are happening across this country,” Brian said while urging colleagues to vote yes.
Opponents on the floor argued the resolution would inflame divisions and raised constitutional concerns. “I rise in opposition to this resolution that I think serves to divide us and is actually a complete affront to the Fourteenth Amendment,” Assemblymember De Maio said, urging members to vote no and to avoid rhetoric that assumes voters act solely on race.
Supporters, including Assemblymember Pellerin, the Assembly’s former elections administrator, and several members of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the resolution was a necessary defense of voting access and representation after what they described as recent decisions diminishing federal protections. “The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was born from the courage, the sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that every American deserves an equal voice,” Pellerin said.
The debate included contested exchanges over whether certain parliamentary actions in California resembled steps taken in Tennessee and other states; members repeatedly urged temperate language and decorum. Following debate, the Assembly first recorded co‑author additions and then held a roll-call vote. The Clerk announced the final tally as Ayes 58, Noes 8, and the resolution passed.
AJR 31 is a nonbinding legislative resolution urging federal action; it does not change state law. The resolution calls on Congress to restore preclearance and codify results-based standards under Section 2 and to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, according to the reading on the floor. The measure now stands as the Assembly's formal appeal to federal lawmakers and as a public record of the body's position.
The Assembly reconvened other business after AJR 31's passage, introduced a visiting Tennessee state representative, and continued with a series of bill votes before adjourning the session.
The resolution’s passage signals the Assembly’s public stance in support of stronger federal voting protections; any change to federal law would require Congressional action.
Assemblymember Brian, the resolution's author, framed AJR 31 as a response to recent court decisions and actions in other states that he said were “rollback[s] of voting rights” and warned they threaten representation for marginalized communities. “Republicans on this floor just tried to stop us from even discussing the voting rights violations that are happening across this country,” Brian said while urging colleagues to vote yes.
Opponents on the floor argued the resolution would inflame divisions and raised constitutional concerns. “I rise in opposition to this resolution that I think serves to divide us and is actually a complete affront to the Fourteenth Amendment,” Assemblymember De Maio said, urging members to vote no and to avoid rhetoric that assumes voters act solely on race.
Supporters, including Assemblymember Pellerin, the Assembly’s former elections administrator, and several members of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the resolution was a necessary defense of voting access and representation after what they described as recent decisions diminishing federal protections. “The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was born from the courage, the sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that every American deserves an equal voice,” Pellerin said.
The debate included contested exchanges over whether certain parliamentary actions in California resembled steps taken in Tennessee and other states; members repeatedly urged temperate language and decorum. Following debate, the Assembly first recorded co‑author additions and then held a roll-call vote. The Clerk announced the final tally as Ayes 58, Noes 8, and the resolution passed.
AJR 31 is a nonbinding legislative resolution urging federal action; it does not change state law. The resolution calls on Congress to restore preclearance and codify results-based standards under Section 2 and to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, according to the reading on the floor. The measure now stands as the Assembly's formal appeal to federal lawmakers and as a public record of the body's position.
The Assembly reconvened other business after AJR 31's passage, introduced a visiting Tennessee state representative, and continued with a series of bill votes before adjourning the session.
The resolution’s passage signals the Assembly’s public stance in support of stronger federal voting protections; any change to federal law would require Congressional action.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
