On June 25, 2013 the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision in the case of Shelby County, Alabama vs. Holder and struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in a 5-4 decision overturning Section 4 of the Act.
Florida Legislative Black Caucus (FLBC) Chairman, State Representative Alan Williams (D- Tallahassee) issues the following statement:
“The Supreme Court decision is a setback for all Americans on civil rights in the United States. This ruling contradicts with the strides that have been made by those who have fought to ensure equal voting rights and the promise of democracy for each and every citizen. In recent years, Florida has imposed changes to the election system that would suppress and disenfranchise voters. Several states have proposed laws restricting voting rights across this country. But, instead of ruling to protect all voters, the justices have acted to eliminate an impartial review of new voting laws for regions that have a history of discrimination. The court struck down a key component of the Act on the grounds that it’s outdated. The court recognized that discrimination and racism still exist; however detached the section that has improved voting rights.
FLBC represents constituents who will be gravely impacted by the Supreme Court decision. Passing the Voting Rights Act in 1965 was the right thing to do. Renewing the Act in 2006 was the right thing to do and updating the formula to ensure those measures remain intact for our citizens is the right thing for Congress to do now. The members of the FLBC urge Congress to ensure that the Voting Rights Act remains the pillar of our democracy.”
