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Posted inEditorials, Opinion

Discrimination in voting todaystill makes 1965 act necessary

Next month the Supreme Court will consider a controversy over congressional redistricting in Texas that will highlight the importance of a crucial part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act: Section 5, which requires states and localities with a history of voting discrimination to “pre-clear” changes in their election practices with the Justice Department or a federal court. In 2009 the court declined to rule on the constitutionality of Section 5, but it could return to the issue. If the court is in any doubt about the continued need for it, members should read a recent speech by Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.

Posted inEditorials, Opinion

Voting Rights Act of 1965 still has teeth, relevance

Next month the Supreme Court will consider a controversy over congressional redistricting in Texas that will highlight the importance of a crucial part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act: Section 5, which requires states and localities with a history of voting discrimination to “pre-clear” changes in their election practices with the Justice Department or a federal court. In 2009 the court declined to rule on the constitutionality of Section 5, but it could return to the issue. If the court is in any doubt about the continued need for it, members should read a recent speech by Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.