GOP ‘Colorblind’ Map Drawing Tactic Tests Voting Rights Act
Republican legislatures have adopted a new method for drawing electoral maps that excludes the use of any racial data. Critics of the technique argue that while no racial data is employed in drawing districts, the legislators still know full well when they have drawn a map that dilutes the power of voters of color. However, legal experts suspect that this new method may nevertheless deter voting rights advocates from bringing lawsuits against gerrymandered maps. An increasingly conservative judiciary has shown itself to be repeatedly
Schumer, McConnell headed for another collision over voting rights
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) has issued an open letter announcing his intention to file for a vote to end debate on The Freedom to Vote Act, a piece of legislation crafted by Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Klobuchar (D-MN). Republicans are expected to refuse to advance the bill. The Freedom to Vote Act was crafted by Democrats as a compromise, after Senator Manchin refused to support the For The People Act, which has passed the House of Representatives. However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch
Worcester, minority residents settle voting rights lawsuit
The city of Worcestor and a coalition of its Black and Latino Residents have agreed to a settlement over a lawsuit which charged that the city’s method for electing school committee members diluted the Black and Latino vote. Although more than half of Worcestor’s students identify as Black or Latino, every member of the school board is currently white. The suit alleged that the city’s at-large electoral system discriminated against populations of color and violated federal law. Visit Boston.com to learn more. Image Credit: John Phelan (CC
Senate Judiciary squares off over John Lewis voting rights bill
The Senate Judiciary Committee has held a hearing on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) has introduced. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke testified before the committee, urging passage of the bill and reinstatement of the Justice Department’s “preclearance” authority over changes made to election laws at the state and local levels. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) expressed skepticism, calling the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act a “disaster.” Though the Senate has engaged in much activity
Massachusetts Senate approves bill to expand voting rights
The Massachusetts State Senate has approved, 36-3, a bill to make permanent certain expansions of voting rights that were first implemented on an emergency-basis during the 2020 elections because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes include same-day voter registration as well as increased opportunities for early voting. Critics of the decision argue that the move may tread on aspects of the state’s constitution. The bill is now being reported to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration. Visit WBUR to learn more. Image Credit: Ajay Suresh (CC