We are both relieved and encouraged by the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of Allen v. Milligan. The Court's ruling to reject Alabama's congressional voting map, which diluted the power of Black voters, is a significant step in the right direction for voting rights and representation in our country.
The Supreme Court's ruling, led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., is important because it helps curtail further efforts to narrow the 1965 Voting Rights Act. It comes amidst continued anti-democratic efforts to suppress votes in America on racial and generational lines. It also reaffirms the importance of the Voting Rights Act in protecting minority voters from discriminatory practices.
As a young women’s political leadership organization we understand that fair representation is critical to our democracy. This ruling is a reminder that the fight for voting rights is ongoing and that the Voting Rights Act remains a crucial tool.
We commend the efforts of Black voters and advocacy groups that challenged the map under the Voting Rights Act, leading to this important decision. While we celebrate this victory, we recognize that there is still much work to be done to ensure equal representation and voting rights for all Americans. We will continue to support efforts to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and educate and engage Gen Z around barriers to voting and the importance of their voice on this issue.
- Sara Guillermo, IGNITE CEO—America’s largest, most diverse organization devoted to young women’s political leadership.