Coalition of states defends voting rights act in Georgia redistricting case
New York Attorney General Letitia James is spearheading a coalition of 19 attorneys general to protect a crucial aspect of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This group filed an amicus brief in the case of Pendergrass v. Secretary of State of Georgia, advocating for the preservation of Section 2, which guards against racial discrimination in voting practices.
The brief responds to a lawsuit challenging the way Georgia redrawn its congressional and state legislative districts after the 2020 census. Critics argue these new maps diluted the political influence of Black voters. A U.S. District Court ruling supported this view, mandating Georgia to revise its maps to create more majority-Black districts — a decision now contested by the Georgia secretary of state.
“Empowering Americans to have their voices heard and respected in the halls of power is the very foundation of our society,” said Attorney General James. “The Voting Rights Act is an essential civil rights law that protects voters everywhere from discrimination and disenfranchisement. Drawing district lines to undermine the political power of voters of color is illegal and an attack on the core principles of our democracy. Today, I am joining my fellow attorneys general to stand up for a critical part of the Voting Rights Act that protects voters from discrimination.”