On anniversary of Shelby v. Holder, U.S. needs to reinstate Voting Rights Act (al.com)
Posted Jun 25, 2019
By Guest Voices
By Nancy Abudu {Nancy Abudu is a deputy legal director of the Southern Poverty Law Center.}
On June 25, 2013, the Supreme Court gutted an era-defining piece of legislation that was inspired by Alabama activists – the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The Act banned discrimination in voting.
Specifically, Section 5 of the VRA requires certain jurisdictions with a history of discrimination in voting – including Alabama – to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice before making any changes to their voting laws or practices. In its 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the coverage formula used to determine which jurisdictions need to get such approval.
The result? In 2016, fourteen states put in place new restrictive voting laws for the first time in advance of a presidential election.
In Alabama, with the Shelby decision in place, Alabama began to lead efforts that make it more difficult for racial minorities, young people, and those with disabilities to vote.
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This week we recognize Shelby v. Holder’s anniversary, but we also recommit to passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) to restore the VRA and ensure every eligible American can participate fully in our robust democracy and bring it fully into the 21st century.
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more: https://www.al.com/opinion/2019/06/on-anniversary-of-shelby-v-holder-us-needs-to-reinstate-voting-rights-act.html
