Press Releases
Voting Rights & Elections
Report: Tens of Thousands of Votes Lost Due to Poor Design in 2008 and 2010
A new Brennan Center for Justice analysis of data from the 2010 general election finds more than 20,000 votes for governor in New York were lost because machines read them as “overvotes,” ballots with too many candidates selected.
– 12/06/11
Civil Rights Groups Press Department of Justice to Block New Texas Voter ID Law
In a letter sent earlier today, the groups analyzed additional data submitted to the Justice Department by Texas last month. The data show that the new law, which imposes a government-issued photo ID requirement for voting, will disproportionately burden minority voters and produce discriminatory effects.
– 11/16/11
Statement: Brennan Center Recognizes Congressional Members’ Efforts to Protect Voting Rights
The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law applauds recent and ongoing efforts by Rep. Steny Hoyer and other members of Congress to help put an end to the unprecedented assault on voting rights in states across the country.
– 11/03/11
Civil Rights Groups Join Florida Voting Lawsuit, Will Defend Voting Rights Act
Yesterday, a three-judge panel of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the National Council of La Raza and the League of Women Voters of Florida can intervene as defendants in a legal action over Florida’s new voting law, H.B. 1355, best known for its new, extreme restrictions on volunteer voter registration drives.
– 10/20/11
Study: New Voting Restrictions May Affect More than Five Million
New voting laws could make it significantly harder for more than five million eligible voters to cast ballots in 2012, according to the first comprehensive study of the laws’ impact.
– 10/03/11
Brennan Center Applauds Federal Ruling on Voting Rights Act
The Brennan Center released the following statement in support of Judge John D. Bates’ decision on the Voting Rights Act.
– 09/22/11
Justice Dept. Urged to Reject New Texas Voter ID Restrictions
The Brennan Center for Justice, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the Texas State Conference of the NAACP submitted a joint letter to the Department of Justice today, relying on extensive statistical evidence to show that Texas’ newly-passed voter ID restrictions will disproportionately harm minority voting rights in the state.
– 09/14/11
National Council of La Raza, LWV of Florida File in Court to Stop Anti-Voter Restrictions in Florida
Today, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the League of Women Voters of Florida, organizations that work to encourage and promote civic engagement among Florida voters filed an intervention motion in federal court in Washington, D.C. to oppose controversial new restrictions on voting and voter registration imposed by a new Florida law, known as H.B. 1355.
– 09/09/11
Brennan Center Announces “Double Vote” Settlement, Victory for Minor Parties and Voters
A settlement has been announced in the Brennan Center's lawsuit against the State Board of Elections on behalf of three of New York's minor parties. The lawsuit challenged a discriminatory New York State policy for counting political party votes.
– 09/09/11
Information Ahead of Senate Hearing on State Voting Legislation Threatening Voting Rights in 2011
Ahead of Sen. Durbin’s hearing today on new state voting laws and possible threats to voting rights and voter turnout nationwide, the Brennan Center provides background information to help put the hearing in context, including a summary of the legislation passed so far, and useful links to deeper analysis.
– 09/08/11