The Supreme Court overturned a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, removing a critical tool to combat racial discrimination in voting. See all of the Center's recent resources on the VRA and ideas on how to move forward after the Court's decision.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn recently announced her support of a bill to establish independent oversight for the Police Department. Our experience in city government has shown us, again and again, that independent oversight makes agencies better and stronger.
Former Corporation Counsels Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Victor A. Kovner, and Peter Zimroth sent the following to the New York City Council in support of the creation of an oversight mechanism for the NYPD.
Many who oppose the creation of an independent police monitor for the NYPD have mischaracterized how it would operate. This fact sheet brings clarity to the debate by separating fact from fiction.
The Brennan Center, along with over a hundred fair lending advocates, sent the following letter to the monitor of the national mortgage settlement, urging him to improve public knowledge of banks' consumer relief activities and to more aggressively enforce the settlement's requirements.
In America today, 2.3 million people are in jail or prison, 6 million if you count people on probation or out on parole. Over a quarter of our nation’s population (65 million) have a criminal record. None of this is acceptable in a civilized nation, yet it's all fixable if our leaders exercise the will to do so.
Virginia currently has the Online Registration component of Voter Registration Modernization in place. Virginia also has electronic pollbooks in at least one county.
Fifty years ago today, the Supreme Court recognized the constitutional right to an attorney for criminal defendants, even when they cannot afford one. Today, however, "the sad truth is that there is no universal right to counsel."
Nobody ever marched for election administration. But millions have marched for democracy. Thanks to the voting wars of 2012, they may be ready to do so again.
The Supreme Court faces another critical voting rights case Monday with a challenge to a restrictive Arizona voter registration law. To honor the promise of our Constitution that all Americans have the right to vote without facing discrimination, the court must step up and ensure our elections remain free, fair, and accessible.
