Washington (June 8, 2023)—The United States Supreme Court ruled today in Allen v. Milligan that Alabama’s congressional district map likely violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prevents changes to electoral processes that have a racially discriminatory impact. This decision is a victory for voting rights and fair representation, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Dr. Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.
“Today, the Supreme Court justices upheld the promise of the Voting Rights Act and the 15th Amendment. They also preserved the scientific standards that have been used for nearly 40 years to identify and remedy racial gerrymandering. This decision is a win for Black, brown, and Indigenous voters who have fought against gerrymandering that limits their ability to participate in free and fair elections.
“The work of protecting democracy and voting rights isn’t over. We still need strong legislation to expand voter access and limit partisan gerrymandering. But today’s decision is an important bulwark against attacks on democracy. It preserves the Voting Rights Act and ensures that communities have the tools they need to challenge racially discriminatory district maps.”