Voting rights and election reform: Senate Republicans block latest legislation.

‘A new American fault line’: How new election laws will make it harder for 55 million to vote.

Democrats have been pushing to get reform passed as new voting restriction laws have been passed in earnest after the tumultuous 2020 election. The vote Wednesday in the Senate comes just two weeks after Democratic leadership attempted to advance another piece of voting rights legislation that was blocked by Republicans with the filibuster. The legislation passed the House in August 219-212 along straight party lines. That year, the high court ruled that states no longer had to comply with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which required some states and municipalities with a history of discriminatory voting laws to obtain federal 'preclearance' before enacting changes to voting laws or practices. The Senate will vote on advancing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would replace part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that the U.S. Prefer to listen? Check out the 5 Things podcast: Senate to vote on advancing John Lewis voting rights act Watch Video: Youngkin pledges to build 'a new day' for Virginia

Analysis from Susan Page: Crushing defeat in Virginia could signal more bad news for Democrats ahead.

5 Takeaways from 2021 elections: Race in education drives record turnout in Virginia.

Michelle Wu, 36, became the first woman and person of color elected to be Boston's Mayor and Ed Gainey will become the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh. One important caveat from Tuesday's results will be how several candidates of color across the nation were elected. Phil Murphy, as the race remains too close to call.

New Jersey's gubernatorial race appears destined to be called on Wednesday or later this week as Republican Jack Ciattarelli clings to a slight lead over incumbent Democratic Gov. The loss was a setback to Democrats one year ahead of the 2022 midterms that will decide control of Congress and impact President Joe Biden's ability to govern and pass legislation. Early Wednesday, Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe in a race that was the first major contest since President Joe Biden took office. At the top of the card was the race for Virginia governor. Polls have closed in an assemblage of off-year elections observers say could be clues about the themes and outcomes of the pivotal 2022 midterm races. Election Day fallout: Youngkin defeats McAuliffe in Virginia, NJ too close to call

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