Representatives Bell & Morelle Host Voting Rights Roundtable with Stakeholders and Community Organizers

July 15, 2026 Press Release On Friday, Representatives Wesley Bell and Joe Morelle hosted a voting rights roundtable discussion to address the current state of voting rights in Missouri and across the country In addition to Representatives Bell and Morelle, stakeholders from across the state joined the discussion Bell believes that voting rights are preservative of all other rights and that every eligible American should have fair and equal access to the ballot box Congressman Bell: “Voting rights are preservative of all other rights. Without the right to vote, without access to the ballot box, all the other rights and liberties we hold dearly are in jeopardy” Ranking Member Morelle: “We’ve all seen it – Donald Trump, House Republicans, and their allies on the Supreme Court are determined to prevent eligible Americans from participating in the election because they know cheating is the only way they will win." Image Congressman Bell, Ranking Member Morelle, and roundtable participants St. Louis, Missouri – Last week, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) hosted a voting rights roundtable discussion in St. Louis to discuss the current state of voting rights across the country. The roundtable also featured voting rights and community organizers from across the state, as well as community stakeholders. “Voting rights are preservative of all other rights. Without the right to vote, without access to the ballot box, all the other rights and liberties we hold dearly are in jeopardy," said Congressman Bell. "It's no secret that Republicans are working to eliminate Democratic seats — and that threat is real right here in Missouri, where they are actively targeting Rep. Cleaver's seat in Kansas City. Your vote is your voice, and I will do everything in my power to protect the voice of every St. Louisan. Thank you to Ranking Member Morelle and all the voting rights advocates on the front lines of this effort for joining our district roundtable." "I was pleased to join Rep. Bell in St. Louis to continue our fight to protect fair and secure elections, ensure access to the ballot for all eligible voters, and crack down on rampant corruption once and for all,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “Donald Trump, House Republicans, and their allies on the Supreme Court are willing to do anything to hold onto power. That’s what the SAVE America Act, Trump’s mail-in voting executive orders, and the Callais decision are truly all about. We’re going to keep fighting like the future of our democracy depends on it, because it does.” Image "The recent U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais is akin to the end of Reconstruction after the Civil War. The 13th Amendment freed the formerly captive (enslaved) people, the 14th Amendment gave them the right of citizenship and the 15th Amendment gave the African American the right to vote in order to ensure his participation as a full and equal citizen of the United States of America. As a result of Jim Crow and now gerrymandering of political districts which results in the diluting of the minority vote, we again find ourselves with the loss of representation the likes that America has not seen since the end of Reconstruction. With the emergence of this New Jim Crow environment the inability to have representation of your choice is the same as a repeal of our dream of full and equal citizenship for all Americans regardless of race, creed or color. The St. Louis City Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is committed to protecting your right to vote and to have representation of your choice!” “It was an honor to be part of this meaningful conversation on the importance of voting rights and representation. Every vote is a voice, every voice has power, and every election deserves trust when a ballot is cast. From registration to the ballot box, we must inspire our communities to participate, stay informed, and make their voices heard through clear and candid communication. The Black vote has always been a powerful force for progress, and it will continue to shape a stronger, more just future for our communities and our nation,” said Missouri Social Action State Coordinator LaVerne Bady. Congressman Bell has long been a staunch advocate for protecting voting rights in America. Believing that every eligible American should have fair and equal access to the ballot box, Bell has supported efforts to expand voter participation, defend fair elections, oppose voter suppression, strengthen the security of our elections, and much more.