The Supreme Court Just Rolled Back Voting Rights
Hear from Janai Nelson, the lawyer who argued Louisiana vs. Callais
Just this morning, the Supreme Court released their ruling on Louisiana vs. Callais, a case about racial discrimination in voting rights. Unfortunately, they ruled 6-3 that Louisiana must redraw its congressional map, demolishing a major section of the Voting Rights Act.
In her dissenting opinion, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that “under the Court’s new view of Section 2, a state can, without legal consequence, systematically dilute minority citizens’ voting power.”
“The Voting Rights Act was born of the literal blood of Union soldiers and civil rights marchers. It ushered in awe-inspiring change, bringing this Nation closer to fulfilling the ideals of democracy and racial equality. And it has been repeatedly, and overwhelmingly, reauthorized by the people’s representatives in Congress.
Only they have the right to say it is no longer needed—not the Members of this Court. I dissent, then, from this latest chapter in the majority’s now-completed demolition of the Voting Rights Act.” (Justice Kagan)
Today’s podcast was already a deep dive into Louisiana vs. Callais with a guest who knows more about the case than anyone else: Janai Nelson, the President and Director Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the woman who argued the case in front of the Supreme Court — not once, but twice.
Janai and Katie’s conversation covered all of the basics of what’s happening (simplified so we can all understand it), how it could change the midterms, what it was like to present a case to the full-on United States Supreme Court, and what gives her hope despite it all.
Now that the decision is out, Red Wine & Blue will be organizing another virtual event soon to talk more about what this decision means, how it might affect upcoming elections (including the primaries), and where we go from here. Stay tuned.
This decision flies in the face of everything this country stands for. It is appalling! Too bad it cannot be appealed. Between the orange monster and this illegitimate court they are taking our democracy away from us.
This is apparently why the republicans have continued to support trump on ever thing he has wanted without fear of loosing the November elections from. I am appalled disgusted and we need to impeach these justices and I am afraid there will be a real revolution or civil in this country once people understand the impact of this decision by a court g fascist out fur their own interest.