Narrowing the Voting Rights Act

The Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the Voting Rights Act this week when it ruled that it does not require states to create so-called crossover districts. The regrettable 5-to-4 ruling overturns two of the act’s central goals: protecting minority voting rights and moving the nation toward a more colorblind future.

The ruling is a curtain raiser for a more important Voting Rights Act case. Later this year, the court is expected to decide whether another part of the act, Section 5, is constitutional. Section 5, which requires states to “preclear” new voting rules that could hurt minorities, is a critically important law. We hope that Justice Kennedy’s respectful tone toward the act and its goals indicates that Section 5 will be upheld by a strong majority.

Parts of New York City fall under Section 5. Mayor Bloomberg's Term Limit Extension falls under the "preclear" rule. I would like to see a different change. Currently if the Justice Department does not rule within a certain time frame the change passes. I would rather require a definitive Yes or No.

Use the above link to read the entire New York Times article.

Michael H. Drucker
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