South Raleigh News

Attorney General Josh Stein has joined a group of 19 attorneys general in defending Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act against challenges raised in a Georgia redistricting lawsuit. In an amicus brief filed in Pendergrass v. Secretary of State of Georgia and two other consolidated cases, the attorneys general are advocating for the protection of minority communities' voting power.

“Americans rely on the Voting Rights Act to protect their political power and fight back against voter discrimination,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. Stein emphasized his commitment to upholding the critical law and defending people's voting rights.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act prohibits any election practice that results in the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or membership in a minority-language group. It also aims to prevent unequal opportunities for political participation and the dilution of minority voting power in legislative districts.

The lawsuit in question stems from challenges to Georgia's electoral maps following the 2020 census. Voting rights organizations and individual voters alleged that the new maps unlawfully diluted the political power of Black voters in the state. Despite a ruling in favor of the voters and voting rights organizations by the District Court, the Georgia Secretary of State appealed, questioning the constitutionality of Section 2 and the right of individual voters to challenge discriminatory election practices.

The attorneys general supporting the defense of Section 2 argue that the law is constitutional and that individual voters have the right to challenge racially discriminatory election practices. They highlight the historical precedent of private citizens suing to enforce Section 2 and stress the importance of these private lawsuits in the fight for equal voting rights.

Attorney General Stein is joined by a coalition of Attorneys General from various states in filing the amicus brief, collectively standing for the protection of voting rights and the preservation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

The full brief can be accessed via the provided link.

Attorney General Josh Stein's unwavering defense of the Voting Rights Act underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure fair and equal participation in the electoral process.