What A Day The Voting Rights Act Is Again Under Attack
Aug 6, 2025
Rick Hasen, an election law expert from UCLA, dives into the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. He discusses the ongoing threats to this pivotal legislation, particularly recent Supreme Court decisions that could erode its protections. Hasen emphasizes the contentious redistricting battles that pit red states against blue ones, revealing how these legal challenges impact voter representation. Despite its historical significance, he highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy to defend the progress achieved in voting rights.
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Impact of the Voting Rights Act
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 dramatically increased Black voter registration from 6.7% to over 50% in Mississippi within four years.
- It required federal oversight to prevent states with histories of racial discrimination from making voting changes without approval.
Supreme Court Ends Preclearance
- The Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act's preclearance process in 2013 citing outdated data.
- Justice Ginsburg warned removing preclearance was like putting away an umbrella in a rainstorm.
Section 2 Protects Minority Voting Rights
- Section 2 ensures minority voters have an equal opportunity to elect candidates of choice under racially polarized voting.
- Courts have been enforcing that racial considerations in redistricting must enable minority representation, not diminish it.