SCOTUS Allows Voting Restrictions in Arizona to Stand, Escalating Dangerous Right-Wing Attacks on Equal Voting Rights Across the Country
PHOENIX, AZ — Today, the Supreme Court upheld undemocratic voting restrictions in Arizona in the case of Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (DNC). The court’s 6-3 decision is a dangerously powerful wind in the wings of Republicans’ anti-democratic attacks in state legislatures across the country. The decision also affirms the urgent need for Congress to pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act. Since January, 48 states have introduced nearly 400 voter suppression laws, and 17 states have implemented 28 laws—all of them making it harder for Black and Brown people to exercise their right to vote.
Just Democracy Coalition Member and Arizona Community Leader Channel Powe responded to the decision:
“Today’s decision makes clear that Congress must strengthen and protect the Voting Rights Act to ensure dangerous voting restrictions like Arizona’s do not have to reach the Supreme Court to be rightfully struck down. Given the sorry state of our politicized Supreme Court, Black and Brown Americans clearly cannot rely on the Supreme Court or the Justice Department to defend equal voting rights for all.
As Justice Kagan describes in her dissent, the Court has severely damaged a provision intended to end discrimination in voting. Just as they did in 2013 with Shelby County v. Holder, the Court has opened the door for continued suppression and restriction of Black and Brown Americans’ right to vote.”
“Congress must pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act to ensure that Black and Brown Americans have equal access to the ballot box.”
###
About Just Democracy
Just Democracy is an intersectional coalition with racial justice at its core — uplifting voices from all walks of American life that are too often left out of the conversation. The coalition is made up of over 40 Black and Brown-led organizations working across issue areas. It mobilizes thousands who know that advancing social and racial justice issues first requires bold structural democracy reform.
To speak with a Just Democracy spokesperson, please email press@justdemocracy.us.
