John,
Voting is the most basic right in our democracy — but far too many people have been locked out of the process.
Six decades ago, the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) was signed into law, and provided protections for voters, particularly Black voters who had been excluded from casting a ballot for years under Jim Crow.
Now, voting rights are under attack again. The U.S. Supreme Court's conservative justices signaled their willingness to undercut another key section of the Voting Rights Act.
We’ll explain why in just a moment, but if you’re ready to fight back against the war on voting rights, please split a donation of any amount today between the Brennan Center, When We All Vote, America Votes, and Fair Fight Action, who are fighting tooth and nail to defend voting rights.
In the next few months, the Supreme Court is expected to rule in Louisiana v. Callais, a redistricting case that could weaken Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — the part of the law that helps protect communities from maps that dilute the voting power of Black, Latino, Native, Asian American, and other minority voters, even when there isn’t a clear “smoking gun” showing the intent to discriminate.
This matters because district maps shape political power for years at a time, and they determine whether communities can elect representatives who reflect their priorities and lived experiences. If Section 2 is narrowed, it could become a lot harder to challenge maps that diminish minority voting strength, leaving fewer tools to prevent harmful outcomes from becoming locked in.
With the 2026 midterms approaching, protecting the Voting Rights Act is even more essential because the decisions being made now will shape the playing field for this upcoming election and beyond.
The good news is that people are fighting back. Across the country, voting-rights advocates and community organizations are building stronger protections, pushing for reforms, and expanding access where they can. But the work is difficult, and it will take serious resources to effectively fight back against the GOP’s fascist attacks on our rights and democracy.
In solidarity,
— LeftNet
