Reveal Why Conservatives Are Trying to Kill the Voting Rights Act
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Aug 20, 2025 
Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his insights on history and politics, dives into the Voting Rights Act's 60-year legacy. He discusses how the law has been undermined by recent Supreme Court decisions and argues that the U.S. is facing a constitutional emergency. Bouie critiques the Democratic Party as overly cautious and emphasizes the need for bold leadership. He also explores how learning from Republican strategies could enhance voter engagement, highlighting the effectiveness of simple messaging in reaching constituents.
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Preclearance Was The Act's Power
- The Voting Rights Act's transformative power came from Section 5 preclearance requiring covered jurisdictions to get DOJ approval for voting changes.
- Shelby County v. Holder gutted that mechanism and Congress has failed to restore an effective replacement.
Court Raised The Bar On Proving Discrimination
- Recent Supreme Court decisions raised the bar for proving voting discrimination by requiring intent, not just discriminatory effect.
- Jamelle Bouie argues proving intent is effectively impossible because lawmakers never explicitly state discriminatory motives.
Conservative Vision Opposes Federal Oversight
- The conservative movement historically opposes strong federal oversight of elections and seeks to limit political equality.
- Bouie says the Trump administration and the Supreme Court are advancing a vision where some people have more access than others.