On May 25, the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) joined in a multi-week effort, led by Voices 4 Justice, in defense of the Voting Rights Act in front of the Supreme Court. The Washington, D.C., activist group Voices 4 Justice has been anchoring an effort to highlight the danger to the 1965 Voting Rights Act in a case currently before the court—Shelby v. Holder. At stake in this case is Section 5, which requires states with a history of discrimination to submit any changes to their voting laws to the Justice Department for a determination of whether they are discriminatory.
Section 5 protects Black voters in the southern United States from disenfranchisement due to a history of racist voting provisions such as poll taxes, literacy requirements and a myriad of other impediments.
Chipping away at voting rights
Repealing Section 5 would have a negative impact on Black voting in these states. In the past few election cycles, the wave of “voter ID” laws and other restrictive practices show that politicians and election officials around the country, including in the South, are chipping away at voting rights by erecting more and more barriers to participation. In the states subject to Section 5, those most likely to be harmed are Black voters.
Amicus briefs have been filed by states both subject and not subject to Section 5 supporting it being struck down. It is clear that for a range of reactionary officials, eliminating Section 5 is key to limiting legal challenges to new discriminatory election laws.
The ANSWER Coalition joined in the weekly vigils in front of the Supreme Court in defense of Section 5. Other organizations that have participated so far include Black fraternities and sororities, civil rights organizations, Washington-area Black churches, and delegations from Alabama. On May 25, ANSWER and Voices 4 Justice activists raised awareness of the issue among the thousands of tourists visiting Washington, D.C., every day, building support from people all over the country.
Vigils will continue until June 16, at which time activists will have personally communicated with thousands of people from around the country. The ANSWER Coalition will continue to participate in and mobilize to protect the basic democratic rights of all people.
