Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that significantly weakens a key protection in the federal Voting Rights Act. The Louisiana v. Callais decision makes it harder to challenge discriminatory voting maps and will make it far more difficult to stop states from creating voting maps that limit the political power of voters of color. Disability Rights California strongly condemns this decision, which moves our country backward at a time when access to the ballot remains unequal and under threat.

For much of our nation’s history, people of color and other marginalized communities were blocked from voting or having their votes count. The Voting Rights Act protected democracy by allowing communities to challenge unfair voting rules and election maps that silence their voices. These protections have made our elections more fair for all voters, including voters with disabilities who already face accessibility barriers and exclusion from the political process.

The full impact of this decision, especially how it may affect California, is still unclear. Disability Rights California will remain vigilant. Disabled people have fought against systems based in control and exclusion for a very long time.  We are committed to protecting the rights of voters with disabilities harmed by this decision. We oppose the weakening of civil rights laws, and we will continue working to ensure that everyone can vote and be represented in a democracy that works for all of us.

Media Contact

Sam Mickens
Director of Communications
(646) 945-0918
Sam.Mickens@disabilityrightsca.org

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of DRC is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.