The Voting Rights Act
The ACLU works in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.
The Latest
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ACLU Applauds the Introduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to Restore and Strengthen the Landmark Voting Rights Act
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Supreme Court Term in Review: Reconciling Our Losses and Wins
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How We Are Protecting the Right to Vote on the Anniversary of Shelby v. Holder
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Minnesota Just Restored Voting Rights for 55,000 People
Explore More
What's at Stake
Since 1965, the Voting Rights Act (VRA) has protected minority voters at the polls.
In June 2013, in a huge blow to democracy, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the coverage formula used for Section 5 of the VRA, which required jurisdictions with significant histories of voter discrimination to “pre-clear” any new voting practices or procedures, i.e., get federal approval from the Department of Justice, and show that they do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect.
Importantly, however, the 5-4 decision did not strike down Section 5 itself, leaving it to Congress to devise a new coverage formula. The ACLU is working with Congress to do just that.
Related Resources:
Timeline of the Voting Rights Act
Voter Suppression Laws: What’s New Since the 2012 Presidential Election [MAP]
Coalition Letter to Debate Hosts Urging Inclusion of Voting Rights
The Battle to Protect the Ballot: Voter Suppression Measures Passed Since 2013 [MAP]
Since 1965, the Voting Rights Act (VRA) has protected minority voters at the polls.
In June 2013, in a huge blow to democracy, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the coverage formula used for Section 5 of the VRA, which required jurisdictions with significant histories of voter discrimination to “pre-clear” any new voting practices or procedures, i.e., get federal approval from the Department of Justice, and show that they do not have a discriminatory purpose or effect.
Importantly, however, the 5-4 decision did not strike down Section 5 itself, leaving it to Congress to devise a new coverage formula. The ACLU is working with Congress to do just that.
Related Resources:
Timeline of the Voting Rights Act
Voter Suppression Laws: What’s New Since the 2012 Presidential Election [MAP]
Coalition Letter to Debate Hosts Urging Inclusion of Voting Rights
The Battle to Protect the Ballot: Voter Suppression Measures Passed Since 2013 [MAP]