U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Portion of Voting Rights Act

Andrew Yeager | June 25, 2013

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In a five to four decision Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a part of the law that sets out a formula for determining which states are examined for voting discrimination. Shelby County, Alabama, challenged that section along with Section 5 which requires certain states, mostly in the south, gain prior approval from the federal government before changing voting laws. While the court left Section 5 intact, legal experts say its left effective dormant until Congress passes a new formula.

Shelby County’s Attorney Butch Ellis says he’s “elated” with the ruling and that it will save the county time and money. From the Associated Press:

Ellis says local governments have spent more than $1 billion seeking Justice Department approval of voting changes. He says money spent on lawyers in the past can now go to schools, police and fire protections.

NPR News has more on why the justices considered the formula “outdated.”