The Supreme Court today rejected a challenge to Section Five of the Voting Rights Act in the case Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder (NAMUDNO). People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker issued the following statement:

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this case. The Court today preserved all aspects of the Voting Rights Act and its ability to ensure the full and equal right to vote which is at the core of our democracy. I’m particularly gratified that the Court noted both the ‘historic accomplishments’ of the Voting Rights Act in protecting minority voters and the extensive record compiled by Congress in support of its continuing need. Although our nation has made significant progress in protecting the right to vote, discrimination in voting is still very much a reality. The Voting Rights Act remains essential to our democracy and our nation. We are delighted the Court today affirmed that fundamental premise.”

People For the American Way was a defendant-intervenor in the case.

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