FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2013
Virginia's civic engagement organizations this afternoon responded to the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Shelby County v Holder, which struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. The below statement was released by Alliance for Progressive Values, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Fair Elections Legal Network, the Richmond Chapter of the NAACP, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation, ProgressVA Education Fund, SEIU VA 512, Sierra Club-VA Chapter, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, Virginia New Majority, Virginia Organizing and Voice of Vietnamese Americans.
“The right to vote is at the heart of what it means to be an American. Today, the United States Supreme Court declared we have come a long way since the tumultuous and bloody days that spurred passage of the Voting Rights Act but we know that history is never far away. Today’s decision means that Virginians must now take responsibility for holding our elected officials accountable to ensure new legislation allows our elections to remain free, fair, and accessible. As the State Board of Elections works to implement Virginia’s new voter ID law, we look forward to working with them to ensure the Commonwealth continues to honor the spirit of the Voting Rights Act and protect every citizen’s fundamental right to vote.”
"The Supreme Court made clear this morning that federal oversight over state voting laws is constitutional, subject to Congress drafting new criteria. Our representatives must move swiftly to set aside partisan differences and approve updates to the Voting Rights Act to ensure every citizen is able to participate in our great democracy."
***To schedule an interview with a spokesperson, please contact Anna Scholl at (540) 460-1269 or anna@progressva.org***
###
