States Enact Voting Rights Acts Amid Federal Law Challenges

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is photographed in the press room at the State Capitol, on March 13, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. In an interview with The Associated Press, the Democrat discussed the p

An appeals court ruling has prompted lawmakers in several states to take action to protect voting rights following a decision that weakened a key part of the Voting Rights Act. Democratic-led states are leading the charge as national legislation to expand voting rights remains stalled in Congress. On the other hand, Republican lawmakers in many states have sought to enhance election integrity amid claims of voter fraud.

States such as Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida are working on enacting state voting rights acts, following the lead of New York and Connecticut. The move comes after an appeals court ruling limited the ability of voters and groups to sue under Section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting practices that discriminate based on race.

The 1965 Voting Rights Act, a landmark achievement of the civil rights movement, has faced challenges over the years. A significant blow came in a 2013 Supreme Court ruling that eliminated the preclearance requirement for jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination in voting. This has led to a push for state-level protections to fill the gaps left by federal rulings.

Democratic-led states are taking action to expand voting rights.

Appeals court ruling weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Republican lawmakers focus on enhancing election integrity amidst voter fraud claims.

The state voting rights acts being considered include provisions that allow private individuals and groups to challenge laws that suppress the votes of people of color. Some proposals also include preclearance requirements to prevent voting changes that could harm minority voters.

In Minnesota, a diverse Legislature is considering a voting rights act as part of a broader election policy bill. The proposed legislation aims to address issues such as the lack of diversity in county boards and potential remedies like electing local bodies by districts to prevent vote dilution.

Efforts are underway in several states to ensure that voting rights are protected and that all citizens have a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The push for state-level protections underscores the importance of safeguarding voting rights at a time when federal laws are facing challenges and uncertainties.