The NAACP called on senators this week to push through two big pieces of legislation that would have a substantial effect on voting rights, especially for voters of color.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson issued an open letter Tuesday, calling on senators to pass two bills championed by President Joe Biden — the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act — which would address glaring weak points on ballot box access, voting protections and voter discrimination.

The Detroit native ended the letter by telling senators that by exercising their voting privilege, “you will decide who defines America, and who has a voice in America.”