In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States in Shelby County v. Holder delivered a devastating setback to civil rights in America.  The Court ruled today that the coverage formula in Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional, which essentially halts the federal government’s ability to review or “pre-clear“ voting changes under Section 5 unless and until Congress enacts a new coverage formula. 

In the coming days, weeks, and months you will hear from the Lawyers’ Committee about ways you can help protect the right to vote. But, in the meantime, you can call the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline if you have questions about the Supreme Court decision, to share your voting experience, or to get more information.

In her dissent Justice Ginsburg wrote: “Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.” Indeed, the combination of Sections 4 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act has been extraordinarily effective at blocking discriminatory voting changes before they could harm minority voters.

The coverage formula included all or parts of 15 states such as Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas, who today in the wake of the decision have announced plans to pass or implement laws likely to have a discriminatory impact on communities of color. This decision has clearly dealt a blow to our democracy.   Now more than ever, the Lawyers’ Committee needs your help to protect voters from discrimination.

Some types of voting changes that drew repeated Section 5 objections from DOJ included redistricting, polling place changes, voter qualification or eligibility, and methods of election. We need you to be our eyes and ears on the ground to sound the alarm as states consider and pass these types of voting changes. Call the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline to get information about the Supreme Court decision in Shelby County and to report any voting changes in your community.

Today’s ruling shifts the cost, delay, and other burdens involved in blocking discriminatory election practices onto concerned citizens and organizations until Congress repairs the Voting Rights Act. We must work together in the weeks and months ahead to detect and block voting changes that undermine the right to vote. Learn more about Shelby County v. Holder and join the Lawyers' Committee as we continue the fight to protect the right to vote.

Barbara Arnwine
President & Executive Director
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Please consider donating to the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law as we Move America Toward Justice.

 

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