New York, NY, July 1, 2021 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) is deeply disturbed by today's Supreme Court decision further undermining the landmark Voting Rights Act. In its 6-3 ruling in Brnovich v. DNC, the Court said that the Act did not bar Arizona lawmakers from limiting voters’ access to the ballot, even though the Arizona legislation disproportionately affected Black and brown voters, Native American voters, students, and low-income voters.
“Unfortunately, this holding will open the door to new restrictions and hinder future challenges to harmful state policies barring equal access to the ballot,” said ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt.
In her blistering dissent, Justice Elena Kagan opened by saying “if a single statute represents the best of America, it is the Voting Rights Act. It marries two great ideals: democracy and racial equality. And it dedicates our country to carrying them out.” Joined by Justices Breyer and Sotomayor, she then explained in detail how the Court was undermining the great purpose behind the Act, ending by saying that it, “of all laws, deserves the sweep and power Congress gave it.”
Earlier this year, ADL joined 52 other organizations on an amicus brief in this case led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in support of the right to vote. Faced with the majority’s further undermining of the Voting Rights Act, it is more important than ever for Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act. Free and fair access to the ballot for everyone is a key pillar of our democracy, and right now it is in great jeopardy.