plan of action - august 22, 2017

Voting Rights


Since 1965, the VRA has been instrumental in protecting the constitutional rights of citizens who might otherwise have been disenfranchised by discriminatory practices.

In 2013, in Shelby County v Holder, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Section 4 laid out the procedures whereby Justice Department approval was necessary for certain states (mostly in the South) before they could make changes to their electoral laws or district maps. The Supreme Court recognized that discrimination continues to exist but found that Section 4 was out of date and could no longer be justified constitutionally.

In order for the VRA to keep its teeth, Congress must rewrite and amend parts of the Act. Events in Charlottesville have shown us that we’re a long way from being safe from racism and discrimination. It is crucial to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.

Action:

Contact your Member of Congress and ask them how they plan to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.