Nevada Senator Harry Reid said Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court decision which strikes a key part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was wrongly decided, unjust and turns back the clock on America's democratic process.
The 5-4 ruling led by Chief Justice John Roberts declared unconstitutional a provision that decides which states and and local governments must get federal approval for proposed election changes.
Reid issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision striking down a key part of the Voting Rights Act is a deeply disappointing example of extreme judicial activism. The Court’s conservative majority effectively ignored the Senate’s clear and unambiguous affirmation of the Voting Rights Act by a vote of ninety-eight to zero, a reauthorization that was signed into law by President Bush. This case was wrongly decided and will unjustly threaten the right to vote for millions of Americans across this country. This decision poses a special threat to voter participation among African Americans and Hispanic Americans, who have historically and disproportionately experienced discrimination when voting.
“Now it is up to Congress to right the wrong of this decision and ensure that we do not turn back the clock on America’s democratic progress. The Senate will act. I have asked Chairman Leahy to immediately examine the appropriate path for the Senate to address this decision. Voting is the most fundamental of our American rights, and the Voting Rights Act is one of the most important laws Congress has ever passed.
“We need look no further than the recent election to see the unfortunate reality that bigotry still exists in our country. In 2012, there were efforts in some states to do everything possible to suppress voter turnout in minority communities. This is unacceptable, and it is a reminder of the importance of the Voting Rights Act. We should be doing everything possible to encourage participation in the democratic process and ensure every eligible voter is able to exercise his or her right to cast a ballot.
“Ensuring every Americans’ basic right to vote is an issue where Democrats and Republicans should be able to find common ground. This is the strength of our democracy, and I am confident in Congress’s ability to judge what is necessary to prevent racial discrimination in election practices.”