Voters Win in Supreme Court Voting Rights Decision

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled today in Allen v. Milligan with a historic win for voting rights. Jody Rabhan, National Council of Jewish Women chief policy officer, released the following statement:

“In its decision today, the Supreme Court upheld one of the most fundamental principles of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — protection against discriminatory voting practices. It is a win for the Voting Rights Act, a win for voters, and a win for democracy.

“In redrawing congressional districts after the 2020 Census, Alabama created one majority-Black district but divided other clusters of Black voters among the other six districts, diluting the power of Black voters to only one of Alabama’s seven congressional districts, despite the state’s 27% Black population. Today, the Supreme Court upheld the decision of a lower court, which found the Alabama map to have violated the Voting Rights Act, which bars racial discrimination in voting policies.

“Racial gerrymandering remains one of the most insidious and blatant forms of suppression of minority voters. For democracy to work for all of us, it must uphold its promise that every person can take part in building the future. Over the last decade, however, Americans have faced a flood of new restrictions making it harder to vote, with deliberate barriers and unnecessary obstacles disproportionately deny the freedom to vote from people of color, young people, older Americans, non-native English speakers, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas.

“The Torah tells us that all people are created in the divine image — thus there is no room for racial discrimination. Buoyed by today’s decision, National Council of Jewish Women will continue to fight for a democracy where all people can participate equally. A key step in achieving that end is the passage of the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Rights Restoration Act in order to restore the much-needed protections of the Voting Rights Act.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is the oldest Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 210,000 grassroots advocates and 50 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.