the number of polling places. Congress is committed to reversing the devastating impact of this decision. (5) Racial discrimination in voting is a clear and persistent problem. The actions of States and localities around the country after the decision in Shelby County v. Holder, including at least 10 findings by Federal courts of intentional discrimination, underscore the need for Congress to conduct investigatory and evidentiary hearings to determine the legislation necessary to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and combat continuing efforts in the United States that suppress the free exercise of the franchise in communities of color. (6) The 2018 midterm election provides further evidence that systemic voter discrimination and intimidation continues to occur in communities of color across the country, making it clear that democracy reform cannot be achieved until Congress restores key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (7) Congress must remain vigilant in protecting every eligible citizen’s right to vote. Congress should respond by modernizing the electoral system to— (A) improve access to the ballot