A judge ruled that the entire New York Voting Rights Act was unconstitutional because it provides “enhanced rights” for certain races and ethnicities, violating the 14th Amendment.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is pushing back against a sweeping court ruling that — if upheld — would strike down a law meant to protect New Yorker's right to participate in elections.
Newburgh is a majority-white town. Its at-large system allows every resident to vote for all elected town council positions, as opposed to a district-based system where voters can only vote for candidates in a specific geographic districts. “The is a comprehensive voting rights statute that extends far beyond the vote dilution provisions concerning at-large electoral systems,” the letter states.
In Vazquez-Doles decision declaring the law unconstitutional, she objected to the use of “extremely broad race and national origin-based legislation, which opens the door to an overhaul of the electoral system of defendant town of Newburgh that could be imposed by the court.” She also rejected combining Black and Hispanic voters into one group to determine if vote dilution exists in Newburgh.
The U.S. Supreme Court cited the equal protection clause in its ruling last year striking down affirmative action programs at colleges and universities.David Imamura, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said he believes the decision will be overturned on appeal.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Voting rights advocates in Georgia prepare for Election Day voting restrictionsExperts say new state law add unnecessary roadblocks for voters.
Read more »
Early voting is under way in Texas. Here’s a guide to your rights at the polls.Our guide outlines your voting rights, where to vote, and the necessary steps for early voting.
Read more »
Early voting is under way in Texas. Here’s a guide to your rights at the polls.Our guide outlines your voting rights, where to vote, and the necessary steps for early voting.
Read more »
Early voting is under way in Texas. Know your rights at pollsOur guide outlines your voting rights, where to vote, and the necessary steps for early voting.
Read more »
Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson visits Pa. Capitol to promote voting rightsJackson drew a 45-second bipartisan standing ovation in the House chamber as members showed their appreciation for the legendary civil rights leader and former presidential candidate.
Read more »
Protecting Your Vote: 1 in 5 Election Day polling places have closed over last decadeClosures accelerated after SCOTUS rolled back the Voting Rights Act in 2013.
Read more »