Nov 25 New maps spark debate over majority-minority districts By David Eggert, Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press Lawmakers in several states are debating precisely how many Black voters are needed in a legislative district to ensure they can elect the representative they want. Continue reading
Aug 17 Democrats unveil plan to update landmark voting law By Christina A. Cassidy, Associated Press The bill from Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama seeks to restore a key provision of the federal law that compelled states with a history of discrimination to undergo a federal review before changing voting laws. Continue reading
Aug 06 WATCH: Sen. Merkley and Texas House Democrats speak on 56th anniversary of Voting Rights Act By Associated Press Hours after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a third attempt at passing a GOP voting bill by calling another special legislative session to begin this weekend, Texas Democrats who left the state weeks ago say they'll keep fighting to protect… Continue reading
Jul 16 WATCH: Black Women’s group meets with Harris at White House By Associated Press Members of the Black Women's Roundtable said they had a good meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday as they push to retain voting rights for all around the country. Continue reading
Jul 30 Watch 7:07 Remembering John Lewis, an American civil rights icon By Judy Woodruff, Jessica Yarvin The United States bid a final farewell to John Lewis in Atlanta Thursday, after more than a week of observations in his honor. A congressman and lifelong activist, Lewis endured threats, repeated imprisonment and physical violence to fight for civil… Continue watching
Jul 30 WATCH: While eulogizing John Lewis, former President Barack Obama calls for action on voting rights By Bill Barrow, Associated Press Former President Barack Obama has used Rep. John Lewis' funeral to issue a stark warning that the voting rights and equal opportunity the late civil rights icon championed are under increasing threats heading into the 2020 election. Continue reading
Dec 06 House passes bill to restore key parts of Voting Rights Act By Matthew Daly, Associated Press The bill would amend the 1965 law to impose new obligations on states and local jurisdictions, essentially reversing a 2013 Supreme Court decision. Continue reading
May 28 Harris says changes to state abortion laws should require federal approval By Juana Summers, Associated Press The presidential candidate said she would back legislation requiring states with a history of restricting abortion rights to receive clearance from the Justice Department to change abortion laws. Continue reading
Aug 24 Georgia county scraps widely condemned plan to close most polling places By Brinley Hineman, Associated Press Voting and civil rights groups applauded the decision but said the episode demonstrates the need to restore Voting Rights Act protections that were tossed out by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. Continue reading
Aug 06 Michelle Obama announces week of action to sign up voters By Ashley Thomas, Associated Press Michelle Obama is marking the 53rd anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by urging Americans to participate in a week of action to get people signed up to vote. Continue reading