VRA Archives

Delaware Enacts State Voting Rights Act; Virginia Strengthens Its VRA, Laying Groundwork for Automatic Voter Registration

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026

On the 61st anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Delaware enacted a state VRA prohibiting voter discrimination, suppression and vote dilution. Virginia’s governor signed legislation to expand its VRA and lay the groundwork for automatic voter registration in the commonwealth.

Could SCOTUS Have the VRA’s ‘Private Right of Action’ In Their Sights? The Court Returns Two Cases to Lower Courts for ‘Further Consideration’

May 19, 2026May 19, 2026

May 18th, the U.S. Supreme Court returned two cases to lower courts which challenge Voting Rights Act provisions allowing an individual to sue for violations, called a “private right of action.” But the cases may return.

New Jersey Assembly Advances ‘John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act.’ If Passed by the Senate and Signed, It Becomes the 10th State VRA

March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

The New Jersey Assembly advanced the “John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act” March 23rd on a 53 to 20 vote. If passed by the senate and signed as expected, New Jersey would become the 10th state to pass a state voting rights act.

Outlook for the Voting Rights Act Dims, as Court’s Conservatives Appear to Turn Away From Their Own Precedent

December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision will likely be released early next year, and its rehearing in October was one of the big voting rights stories of the year. Brian is off for a couple of days, so we're rebroadcasting this story from October. Happy holidays!

Federal Judges Appear Skeptical of GOP Claims of Racial Gerrymandering in California; Judge Orders New Judicial Districts in Mississippi

December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

A decision from a skeptical three-judge panel is expected December 22nd on Republican claims that California’s Proposition 50 racially gerrymandered Congressional districts. In Mississippi, a federal judge ordered a new map and special elections to remedy a racially gerrymandered state supreme court map.

American Democracy Minute

Tag: VRA

Delaware Enacts State Voting Rights Act; Virginia Strengthens Its VRA, Laying Groundwork for Automatic Voter Registration

Could SCOTUS Have the VRA’s ‘Private Right of Action’ In Their Sights? The Court Returns Two Cases to Lower Courts for ‘Further Consideration’

New Jersey Assembly Advances ‘John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act.’ If Passed by the Senate and Signed, It Becomes the 10th State VRA

Outlook for the Voting Rights Act Dims, as Court’s Conservatives Appear to Turn Away From Their Own Precedent

Federal Judges Appear Skeptical of GOP Claims of Racial Gerrymandering in California; Judge Orders New Judicial Districts in Mississippi