U.S. Supreme Court upholds protections against racist attacks on voting rights

RALEIGH – The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a historic ruling in the voting rights case of Allen v. Milligan from Alabama, upholding prohibitions against racial discrimination in drawing voting districts. And it affirms crucial protections in the federal Voting Rights Act.

The ruling has profound importance for North Carolina, where the legislature is preparing to draw new voting maps this year that pro-democracy advocates fear could once again be discriminatory gerrymanders. And state lawmakers are considering bills imposing restrictions on voting access that would disproportionately harm people of color.

The following is a statement from Bob Phillips, Executive Director of Common Cause North Carolina:

“Today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court is a victory for American democracy and voters everywhere. This decision should serve as a clear warning to North Carolina politicians that racist gerrymandering and attacks on voting rights will not stand.

Current anti-voter proposals in the North Carolina legislature – including NC Senate Bill 747 – would disproportionately harm people of color. And legislators are preparing for yet another round of redistricting that so often has targeted Black and brown voters through extreme gerrymandering.

North Carolina politicians should take note of today’s ruling and reject attempts to undermine voting rights. We must protect everyone’s freedom to vote.”

Common Cause North Carolina is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.