Voting Rights Under Siege: 56 Years After Landmark Law

Strategic Insights -

Fifty-six years after the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, voting rights in the United States are once again at the forefront of a contentious debate. The landmark legislation, enacted in 1965, aimed to protect the rights of African Americans and other marginalized communities from voter suppression. However, in 2013, the US Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the act, paving the way for states to introduce restrictive voting laws.

Key Takeaways:

  • Eighteen states have enacted 30 new laws that make it harder to vote, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
  • These laws mark a new record for restrictive voting laws since 2011, with many more bills being introduced in state legislatures across the country.
  • The Georgia law, signed in March, shortens the duration of the absentee voting period, changes the identification requirements for absentee voters, and limits how voters can be provided food and drink in the vicinity of a voting location.
  • Republican proponents of the law deny allegations of voter suppression, claiming that critics are mischaracterizing their intentions and key provisions of the law.
  • Democrats in Texas staged a late-night walkout to block a slew of new voting restrictions, prompting a second special session of the state legislature.
  • The Biden administration has been pressed by nearly 50 progressive and voting rights groups to pass federal legislation to combat restrictive state laws, but officials say the administration is also working on other fronts to protect ballot access.

Statistics:

  • 18 states have enacted 30 new laws making it harder to vote.
  • These laws mark a new record for restrictive voting laws since 2011.
  • The Georgia law limits the duration of the absentee voting period to 21 days.
  • 600 non-violent protestors were attacked by state troopers in Selma, Alabama, during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March.
  • The Voting Rights Act was signed into law on August 6, 1965.

Sources:

  • Shawna Mizelle, CNN
  • Brennan Center for Justice