Voting Rights Act (VRA)

Reflecting on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, it is crucial to acknowledge the hard work of diverse coalitions and dedicated activists who fought tirelessly for its passage. Their unwavering commitment to fairness and justice moved our country towards a more inclusive and democratic society.

JACKSON, Miss. — A federal court has granted a request by Disability Rights Mississippi, the League of Women Voters of Mississippi, and three Mississippi voters to block S.B. 2358 — a newly implemented state law that significantly diminishes access to the ballot for Mississippians who need assistance with voting.

WASHINGTON, DC — League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Virginia Kase Solomón issued the following statement in response to the House and Senate introduction of the Freedom to Vote Act: 

Ten years ago, the Voting Rights Act's power to prevent election discrimination was undermined by the Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder. 

The ruling's impact is still felt, as some politicians attempt to limit the electoral power of specific communities, such as Black and brown voters.

Today the League of Women Voters of Mississippi, Disability Rights Mississippi, and three Mississippi voters filed a federal lawsuit challenging SB 2358, newly passed legislation that significantly diminishes access to the ballot for Mississippians with disabilities. The plaintiffs are represented by Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Mississippi Center for Justice, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU-MS and Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS). 

WASHINGTON—Today the League of Women Voters of the United States’ board president Dr. Deborah Turner issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address: 

The fight for voting rights is ongoing. One way to fight for a stronger future is to make sure we're up to date on our history.

How well will you do in this quiz about voting rights?

WASHINGTON — Today the League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Virginia Kase Solomón issued the following statement in response to Speaker Nancy Pelosi announcement to step down from House leadership: 

August 26, otherwise known as Women's Equality Day, marks the anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment.

Yet today, fewer rights than they'd had in decades. In August 2022, we launched our campaign for Women's Inequality Day, uniting to demand that lawmakers restore and protect our rights.

The Voting Rights Act was originally passed in 1965 as one of the chief legislative accomplishments of the civil rights movement. Since then, it has safeguarded the right to vote, guarding against discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests and racial gerrymandering.

But the VRA is on shaky footing in 2022, facing opposition both in Congress and at the Supreme Court.