The Brennan Center released the following statement in support of a Judge John D. Bates’ decision on the Voting Rights Act:
“The Brennan Center for Justice applauds the U.S. District Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder released yesterday upholding Congress’ ability to enforce the guarantees of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments through Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act requires covered states, those with a history of minority voter suppression, to seek approval from the federal government before implementing changes to their voting laws.
“The need for Section 5 is greater now than at any time in our nation’s recent history. The 2011 legislative sessions across the country ushered in the introduction and passage of the most suppressive voting laws enacted since Reconstruction. Section 5 remains important and necessary to ensure that covered states’ changes to election laws do not illegally impact the ability of minority voters to participate in elections as guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Read more on the Brennan Center’s work to protect the right to vote.