Press Releases

Today, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act—the landmark civil-rights law protecting racial minorities from discrimination at the polls.  The Court ruled that the formula used by Congress to decide which jurisdictions are covered under the law, known as Section 4b, violates the Constitution.  Below is Rep. Cartwright’s statement on today’s decision:

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is disappointing.  During a time when we should be encouraging democracy and expanding the right to vote, we find it becoming more difficult to do so across the country.

The decision to strike down a key part of the Voting Rights Act is a step backward on civil and voting rights.  Voting is a fundamental right and is essential to our democracy.  As a Congressman, I am working to protect the civil rights of all Americans, including the right to cast a ballot without fear of indirect systematic discrimination against minorities.

I remain firmly committed to preventing voter suppression and recently introduced the Time Off to Vote Act (H.R. 2350).  The legislation would require employers to grant workers at least two hours of paid leave to vote in federal elections.

I urge my colleagues to responsibly address the formula issue and work to protect voters’ rights.”