Wisconsin League of Women Voters Marks 60 Years of the Voting Rights Act

The Wisconsin League of Women Voters is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act with an all-day event at the state Capitol in Madison on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. It’s meant to honor the landmark legislation while also addressing modern challenges to voting rights. National leaders, legal experts, and advocates are expected to attend.

The event is free and open to all. Find more information here. 

Debra Cronmiller, the League’s executive director, joined Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach, hosts of Matenaer on Air, to discuss the importance of the program.  

“This isn’t just a dinner or a speech,” Cronmiller says. “It’s a full day of working, learning, and talking about how to preserve democracy. Our mission is to defend democracy and empower voters. Education is key, but so is action.”

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Listen to the complete discussion here:

The League plans to highlight ongoing threats to the Voting Rights Act, the importance of passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and Wisconsin’s recent progress toward fairer legislative maps. Cronmiller says February’s adoption of new maps was a victory, but lasting fairness requires removing redistricting power from elected officials and establishing an independent commission.

“When lawmakers are in super-safe seats, they’re not accountable to the people,” she says. “Fair maps mean fair fights. And that’s good for democracy.”

The event will emphasize practical voter engagement, including the need for all Wisconsin residents to verify their registration at myvote.wi.gov, especially following the state’s routine four-year maintenance of voter rolls.

“Your voice and your vote are the real power in this country,” Cronmiller explains. “The Voting Rights Act was a promise 60 years ago. It’s up to all of us to keep that promise alive.”

The program will also feature keynote remarks from the League’s national president and breakout sessions led by attorney T.R. Edwards of Law Forward and Judge Derek Mosley of Marquette University.

Watch the League’s “Be a Wisconsin Voter” video series here: