Category Archives: Voting Rights Act

“Are the Liberal Justices Savvy or Suckers? They are playing to beat John Roberts at his long game.”

July 1, 2013, 11:37 amSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

I’ve just written this jurisprudence essay for Slate. It begins: At first glance, the 7–1 vote in the Fisher affirmative action case decided by the Supreme Court is puzzling. While the decision about the University of Texas’ admissions policies was… Continue reading

“The Color of Law: Voting rights and the Southern way of life.”

July 1, 2013, 9:01 amSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

Louis Menand has this extensive piece in The New Yorker.

“DOJ Denounces Voting Rights Act Decision”

July 1, 2013, 8:43 amDepartment of Justice, Supreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

The National Law Journal reports.

“A view from Alabama”

June 30, 2013, 3:15 pmVoting Rights ActJustin Levitt

Alabama Solicitor General John Neiman shares his reactions to Shelby County on SCOTUSblog.

In the weeds of continuing litigation in Texas

June 30, 2013, 12:34 pmredistricting, Voting Rights ActJustin Levitt

The El Paso Times talks redistricting.

“Race and voting after the Voting Rights Act: What you need to know”

June 30, 2013, 12:33 pmVoting Rights ActJustin Levitt

John Sides summarizes some of the political science concerning race and voting at the WaPo.

“Custer’s revenge?”

June 30, 2013, 12:32 pmVoting Rights ActJustin Levitt

I’d missed this story in Indian Country earlier this week, noting that Shelby County was decided on the anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Alaska and several counties in Arizona, North Carolina, and South Dakota (as well as… Continue reading

“Let the lawsuits begin: Advocates pivot strategy following Voting Rights Act ruling”

June 30, 2013, 12:32 pmVoting Rights ActJustin Levitt

NBC News looks to the lawsuits. I mentioned the chance of increased litigation (with increased costs borne by all) here.

Congressional response to Shelby County

June 30, 2013, 12:31 pmlegislation and legislatures, Voting Rights ActJustin Levitt

The Hill discusses early steps on the “John Lewis Voting Rights Act.” And CNN has a noncommittal statement on Congressional action from House Judiciary Chair Bob Goodlatte.

Compilation of Shelby County statements

June 30, 2013, 12:29 pmVoting Rights ActJustin Levitt

Glenn Sugameli, at Judging the Environment, has put together a thorough compilation of statements and reactions to Shelby County from officials and editorial boards. Researchers investigating the immediate media reaction to Shelby County will likely find this list of … Continue reading

Literacy tests from the 60s

June 30, 2013, 12:27 pmvoter registration, Voting Rights ActJustin Levitt

This isn’t a news item, but rather a collection of actual literacy tests from the 60s. This Slate piece linked to this site hosted by the Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement, and their collection of literacy tests. As… Continue reading

“Democrats Get a Gift From the Roberts Court”

June 29, 2013, 8:59 pmSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActJustin Levitt

Ross Douthat’s latest column follows the “backlash” narrative: if the aftermath of Shelby County sees more laws marginally increasing burdens for some, that will inspire greater compensatory turnout from others. Two short notes on this argument. First, voters aren’t fungible. … Continue reading

“The Real John Roberts Emerges”

June 29, 2013, 8:44 pmSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActJustin Levitt

Linda Greenhouse offers thoughts on the use of the Court’s cert. power, including Shelby County.

The Weekly Standard on the aftermath of Shelby County

June 29, 2013, 3:59 pmVoting Rights ActJustin Levitt

Unsurprisingly, a take somewhat different from that of the NY Times. Surprisingly, in pointing out that things are not “just fine” in Boston and Cook County, it seems to be calling for enhanced federal (or at least statewide) action.