“A view from Alabama”
Alabama Solicitor General John Neiman shares his reactions to Shelby County on SCOTUSblog.
Category Archives: Voting Rights Act
In the weeds of continuing litigation in Texas
The El Paso Times talks redistricting.
“Race and voting after the Voting Rights Act: What you need to know”
John Sides summarizes some of the political science concerning race and voting at the WaPo.
“Custer’s revenge?”
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”
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
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
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
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”
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”
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
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.
NY Times on aftermath of Shelby County
The editorial board suggests work ahead for the DOJ and for Congress — including proposals for a constitutional amendment.
Tracking the geography of racism
This Mother Jones story discusses this new paper by Chris Elmendorf and Doug Spencer, trying to tease out distinctions among jurisdictions potentially relevant to a new VRA coverage formula.
Joey Fiskin discusses the SCOTUS opinions of the week
Yet again, worth a read. The title of his Balkinization piece:
Q. What’s worse than discrimination? (A) Accusations of bigotry. (B) Stopping discrimination.
More here.