Statement by President and Secretary Clinton on today’s Voting Rights Act decision
Jun 25, 2013 | President Clinton | New York, NY | Statement
We are disappointed in today’s decision striking at the heart of the Voting Rights Act. For over four decades the Act has succeeded in overcoming unconstitutional barriers to voting, and has demonstrated its central role in protecting this essential freedom. We strongly urge Congress to put aside partisanship and politics, as it did in 2006, and promptly pass legislation to replace those portions of the Act struck down today.
Still4Hill 
It’s rare that I disagree with Hill and Bill, but, to believe that this Act is necessary, is to deny the significant progress that has been made in this region of the country. Based on my understanding of Justice Robert’s opinion, he noted that currently, there are more African Americans registered to vote in Alabama and Mississippi than there are whites. Yet, in Alabama, African Americans comprise only 27 percent of the total population, while whites comprise 70 percent. In MS, the numbers are 37 % black and 60 % white. At least in terms of registration, the voting rights of African Americans seem to be more than adequately protected.
As we saw in 2008, voting irregularities and outright fraud were and are rampant throughout this country. Our petitions and letters asking for review and intervention by FEC, fell on deaf ears. Having heard recently about allegations that the pro-Obama Lois Lerner targeted candidates (mostly conservative) when she worked at FEC, I’m not terribly surprised, in retrospect, that the irregularities of 2008 were not addressed.
The point is, IMO, government needs to ensure to the extent possible, that the vote of every citizen is counted, and that any and all LIVING, eligible voters are allowed to vote – but only once. This should apply to all citizens of every region. If and when current evidence is produced that would indicate a need for federal monitoring of a particular state or region, such action should be taken. Until that time, however, IMO, to assume that the civil rights era voter discrimination against blacks is still a present day concern, is to make an unfounded assumption.
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Well I Strongly disagree with your comment, No matter how much you try to whitewash history racism still exists even when it comes to the right to vote. To say that voter discrimination is a thing of the past and that we’ve come a long way since, is just like saying Mitch McConnell wants to help President Obama fulfill his second term agenda.
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First, it’s your right to believe as you see fit, and I respect your right to disagree.
Secondly, I didn’t try to whitewash history. I’m from the south. I know how bad it was. I know how it is now. Obviously, not in every corner of the region, but generally. I’ve seen the progress. I’ve seen blacks and whites work together to make it better. Should things never allowed to be better, or should we crucify everyone who ever did or said something against another person or group – as some are trying to crucify Paula Deen for actions of 20 or 25 years ago. Are people not allowed to repent?
Thirdly, I didn’t say it was a thing of the past – only that it was better, and that there was no current, solid evidence that there is a greater need in the South for federal monitoring and/or control, than in any other region. Notice I said current.
Finally, I indicated a concern about all kinds of voter irregularity – much of which was ignored in 2008, when there were reports of heinous violations on the part of the Obama camp. Fraud and voter obstruction needs to be addressed, period, regardless of the target.
I would also ask- on what evidence do you base your premise that absent the federal involvement, struck down by the court,today, race based voter discrimination will occur?
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Sammy I am with you. We have seen the gop this past election try and enact strict voter id laws, we have seen them try and get rid of early voting to increase the lines on voting day. I am sorry but the VRA is still needed. As a african american and as a woman I am very disappointed. We will see what kind of implications this has for 2014
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I’m not from the South, so I can’t comment on the current situation there. But in Michigan, we’ve had to show our ID before we vote for quite a few years now. No one put up much of a fight against it at the time. It certainly didn’t become a major national news story. I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal in other states, but not here. It’s not as if the South has cornered the market on racism– there’s plenty of it in this state.
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freespirit, I couldn’t agree with you more. A couple of years ago one of the DoJ whistle blowers said it was understood in the civil rights area of the DOJ that the dept does not defend a Caucasian victim of voter fraud. He further added the dept was actually hostile to the idea. There isn’t a soul I know who would not be willing to go to the wall for anyone’s right to vote. So imo todays SCOTUS ruling on the 1965 Voter Rights Act was on target. everyone’s right to vote is important & should be fiercely protected – not just the right of AAs.
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Thanks, franforhillary, and amen to your comment.
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We need the VRA (Voting Rights Act of 1965) because it does protect everyone’s right to vote. The California republican secretary of state is doing the same crap as in down in Florida, etc. Read Greg Palast, http://www.gregpalast.com, he has a good investigative article on what the republiCONs have been up to.
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