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Supreme Court Ruling Is “Call to Action” on Voting Rights

Source: Yes Magazine

Civil rights advocates are calling the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder “a dagger in the heart of the Voting Rights Act” and “a call to action.”

Nearly fifty years since its creation, and seven years after it was reauthorized with bipartisan support, the heart of the Voting Rights Act was nullified today by a 5-to-4 Supreme Court vote. After months of deliberation, the Supreme Court ruled today on Shelby County v. Holder and declared unconstitutional Section 4’s coverage formula, which determines which states and counties are required under Section 5 to receive permission from the Justice Department prior to making changes that could affect voting. Though the court did not rule Section 5 unconstitutional, without a coverage formula it will be rendered meaningless. read more