Here’s Proof of Just How Bad Voting Rights in America Are About to Get
The Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais has effectively dismantled the last major component of the Voting Rights Act, removing critical federal oversight designed to prevent racial discrimination in voting. This follows the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling, which already weakened the Act by invalidating the preclearance formula, leading to increased voter suppression tactics in affected areas. Research indicates that these changes have disproportionately impacted voters of color, reducing their political representation and access to the ballot.
- ▪The Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais eliminated the remaining major enforcement mechanism of the Voting Rights Act.
- ▪The 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision previously invalidated the preclearance formula, allowing jurisdictions with histories of discrimination to change voting laws without federal approval.
- ▪Since Shelby County, research shows increased voter roll purges and restrictive voting laws that disproportionately affect voters of color.
- ▪Preclearance under the Voting Rights Act blocked thousands of discriminatory local election changes before it was weakened.
- ▪Federal oversight had served as a critical safeguard, especially as local media scrutiny of election changes declined.
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Jurisprudence Here’s Proof of Just How Bad Voting Rights in America Are About to Get By Michael G. Miller and Kevin T. Morris May 01, 20263:03 PM People wait in line to participate in early voting on Oct. 31, 2020, in Greenville, South Carolina. Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Sean Rayford/Getty Images, JillianCain/Getty Images Plus, Smart/iStock/Getty Images Plus, and Larysa Stepanechko/Getty Images Plus. Copy Link Share Share Comment Copy Link Share Share Comment Sign up for Executive Dysfunction, a newsletter that highlights one under-the-radar story each week about how Trump is changing the law—or how the law is pushing back. You’ll also receive updates on the latest from Slate’s Jurisprudence team. One big question has emerged in the wake of Louisiana v.
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