Voting Rights Act
Experts say reauthorization of Voting Rights Act essential
By JOHN C. DRAKE
Associated Press Writer
October 21, 2005
As long as racial groups continue to vote in blocs, the protections provided by key provisions of the Voting Rights Act must remain in place, several civil rights advocates said two years before some provisions of the landmark legislation are set to expire.
Any proposed changes to voting laws in nine mostly Southern states - including South Carolina - along with portions of seven other states must receive federal approval to ensure they do not dilute the voting strength of minorities, according to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Attorneys and elected officials gathered at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Friday to discuss extension of the Voting Rights Act and the legacy it has created in the 40 years since it was signed into law. The symposium was co-sponsored by the University of South Carolina School of Law and the South Carolina Bar.
"In the absence of Section 5 there would be more discrimination," said Debo Adegbile, associate director of litigation for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. "The record in South Carolina is that discrimination in voting has been persistent and adaptive."
Opponents of renewing the provisions of the Voting Rights Act that are due to expire in 2007 say that the need for intense federal scrutiny of voting practices in Southern states no longer is necessary. They say state and local governments do not need an extra layer of federal bureaucracy to avoid racial discrimination.
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Full Version: Voting Rights Act
NC is one of those nine states...Section 5 and district's is a big problem. I'm not satisfied with the statement of 'status quo'...IMO, it's a lie. The voter ID cards is a slap in the face because people are being denied ID card's for various reason's in SC. Thanks for bringing this up, CP - there is much work to be done.
QUOTE(ncMindy @ Oct 23 2005, 01:37 PM)
NC is one of those nine states...Section 5 and district's is a big problem. I'm not satisfied with the statement of 'status quo'...IMO, it's a lie. The voter ID cards is a slap in the face because people are being denied ID card's for various reason's in SC. Thanks for bringing this up, CP - there is much work to be done.
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ncMindy,
You are very welcome.
And thank you for your swift response.
Always good to hear from you.
CP
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