Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional; its formula can no longer be used as a basis for subjecting jurisdictions to pre-clearance.Justice John Roberts in the majority opinion, along with Justices Alito, Kennedy, Scalia, and Thomas.
After exhaustive evidence-gathering and deliberative process, Congress reauthorized the VRA, including the coverage provision, with overwhelming bipartisan support. It was the judgment of Congress that “40 years has not been a sufficient amount of time to eliminate the vestiges of discrimination following nearly 100 years of disregard for the dictates of the 15th amendment and to ensure that the right of all citizens to vote is protected as guaranteed by the 2006 Reauthorization. That determination of the body empowered to enforce the Civil War Amendments “by appropriate legislation” merits this Court’s utmost respect. In my judgment, the Court errs egregiously by overriding Congress decision.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the dissenting opinion, with Justices Breyer, Kagan, and Sotomayer.
The link to the text of Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder, Attorney General, et al.
The majority justices who eviscerated the Voting Rights Act because they believe discrimination in voting rights is ended must inhabit a different planet than Earth.
