Signed into law on August 6, 1965, the Voting Rights Act outlawed discriminatory practices, like literacy tests, that were used to suppress Black voters in the Jim Crow South. It was a historic victory, hard-won through years of protest, organizing, and immense personal sacrifice.
Sadly, the Voting Rights Act is a shell of itself. Over the last 25 years, between Congress and the Supreme Court, we’ve watched the Voting Rights Act get slowly and systematically dismantled.
Shelby v. Holder
In 2013, this Supreme Court decision gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, striking down the formula that required certain states to get federal approval before changing voting laws.
Several states quickly passed restrictive voting laws—like strict ID requirements, polling place closures, and cuts to early voting—that had previously been blocked. These changes disproportionately harmed communities of color and ushered in a new era of voter suppression disguised as election security.
Brnovich v. DNC
In 2021, this Supreme Court decision significantly weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the provision that allows individuals and organizations to challenge voting laws that result in racial discrimination.
By upholding Arizona laws that disproportionately impacted voters of color, the Court set a precedent that makes it much harder to prove that a voting law is discriminatory, even when there’s clear evidence of its impact.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Named for civil rights hero John Lewis, who nearly died fighting for the right to vote, this bill would have restored and strengthened the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by modernizing the pre-clearance formula and requiring states with histories of voter suppression to submit voting changes for federal review.
However, the bill was repeatedly blocked by the Senate filibuster, preventing it from even reaching a final vote.
The Damage Has Been Done. Polling places closed. Voter rolls purged. ID laws weaponized. Access to the ballot narrowed. Communities of color are silenced while democracy is at risk.
The fight is far from over
Today, we face modern barriers to the ballot box such as:
- Voter ID laws that disproportionately affect communities of color
- Long lines and reduced polling locations in underserved areas
- Attacks on early voting and mail-in ballots
- Efforts to purge voter rolls and limit access
Voting is not just a right—it’s a cornerstone of democracy. Sixty years later, we must continue to protect it.
A Jewish Call to Action
As Jews, we are commanded to pursue justice (tzedek, tzedek tirdof). That pursuit includes protecting the sacred right to vote. Defending voting rights isn’t just political, it’s a moral and spiritual responsibility. On this anniversary, we recommit to the sacred pursuit of justice. The right to vote is the right to be heard. Let’s keep fighting to ensure every voice counts.