The Past, Present, and Future of the Voting Rights Act
In 1965, a nonviolent voting rights march in Alabama culminated in a televised, brutal attack by state police. The public outrage that followed prompted Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act, a law meant to dismantle racially discriminatory barriers to voting. But in recent years, the Supreme Court has weakened its protections, most notably in the 2013 caseShelby County v. Holder. And just this summer, a lower court ruling inTurtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howeblocked voters in seven states from using the Voting Rights Act to challenge racially discriminatory voting practices.
There’s good news: The Supreme Court put that decision on hold while it considers whether to take up the case. But the very fact that we're celebrating a temporary pause on the near destruction of the Voting Rights Act’s last remaining protection illustrates how bad things have gotten in the courts. Thankfully, the courts don’t have the only say. The 15th Amendment gives Congress the power to safeguard the right to vote through new legislation.
Virtual discussion with experts, advocates, and legislators. They will explore the history of the Voting Rights Act, its impact on voters today, and what it will take to ensure fair representation for all.
Speakers
Alexander Keyssar, Matthew W. Stirling Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
Sean Morales-Doyle, Director, Brennan Center Voting Rights and Elections Program
Lenny Powell, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
Nikema Williams, U.S. Representative (D-GA)
Moderator:Natalie Tennant, Kanawha County Commissioner; Former West Virginia Secretary of State