Civil Rights Coalition Believes Supreme Court Should Uphold Voting Rights Act
“The right to vote is the basis and foundation of American Democracy – indeed, it is the language of democracy, and we at the Leadership Conference believe the U.S. Supreme Court should uphold the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and ensure the right of all citizens in the United States to vote and choose leaders that represent their interests without facing discrimination.
Today, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder, to determine the constitutionality of Section 5 of the VRA, a key provision that protects voters in states with histories of discrimination, such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and other discriminatory registration tactics.
Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 claims that this provision is no longer necessary because voter discrimination is no longer a problem.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Voter disenfranchisement, intimidation, and discrimination continue on today – a fact that Congress recognized in 2006 when they renewed the VRA for another 25 years.
The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights strongly believes that the Supreme Court should uphold Congress’ intent in renewing the VRA and recognize the crucial role of this monumental civil rights legislation.”
LCCR recently submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court highlighting the constitutionality and continued necessity of VRA. The brief is available online: