The Leadership Conference’s Statement on the Anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder
WASHINGTON — Leslie Proll, senior director of the voting rights program at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the 11th anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder decision:
“For democracy to work for us, it must include us all, regardless of race, background, or ZIP code. Eleven years ago today, the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder dealt a devastating blow to the Voting Rights Act, undermining its core protection, and leaving communities of color facing intensified efforts to suppress their voices at the polls. Since then, our coalition and partners have been working tirelessly to protect and expand voting rights across the nation.
“The Shelby County decision unleashed a torrent of anti-voter restrictions, tactics, and schemes that have continued to this day. These have targeted people of color and low-income people by design and paved the path for restricting other rights and freedoms, including the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.
“We need federal action now to ensure everyone’s vote is counted and to protect our rights from the hostile forces that are trying to dismantle our democracy. Together, we can preserve and expand upon the promise of the Voting Rights Act and create a more just and equitable society for all. That is why we urge Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act to fully restore and strengthen our voting rights laws and protect our freedom to vote.”
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.