The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais is nothing short of a blow to our democracy. It significantly weakens the Voting Rights Act – seminal legislation that has been foundational to forging a more representative multiracial democracy. It jeopardizes decades of progress built on the backs of leaders who shed blood and endured state-sanctioned violence during the civil rights movement.
As Justice Kagan’s dissent aptly notes, the Callais opinion is the “latest chapter in the majority’s now-completed demolition of the Voting Rights Act,” which began with Shelby County v. Holder, and opened the floodgates to modern-day voter suppression — particularly the proliferation of voter ID laws.
For 14 years, VoteRiders has not backed down from the fight to protect the freedom to vote. And we won’t start now. Our response to this ruling is to double down on our far-reaching nationwide voter education, mobilization, and action — making sure every eligible voter has the information and ID documents they need to make their voice heard in every election.
To make the democracy we envision a reality — one that represents all of us, in which every voter’s voice is heard regardless of race, age, income, or any other factor — we must demand our elected officials pass broader, bolder protections for voting rights.
Voters should be able to choose their representatives, not the other way around.
VoteRiders once again calls upon Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and calls upon states to pass similar pro-democracy legislation to protect voting rights despite rising barriers to the ballot box and enduring challenges to fair representation.
— Lauren Kunis, VoteRiders CEO & Executive Director
