Learn History of Voting Rights Act at Dec. 11 Program
La Crosse Tribune: Deb Luther | Published on 12/6/2024
Our right to vote is the most basic promise of our democracy. In August 2025 our country will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
The right to vote for every eligible American has been a basic League principle since its origin. Democracy is strongest when every voice is heard, which is why the League of Women Voters strongly advocate for measures to make voting more accessible.
Since the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder gutted the VRA, at least 29 states have passed 94 laws that make it harder to vote, with the burden falling hardest on Black voters and other voters of color.
On Dec. 11, the League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area will host a noon program highlighting the history of voting rights in America. Sam Scinta, facilitator for the Rebuilding American Civics course, will review the history of the VRA and the consequential Shelby County and Brnovich Supreme Court decisions that have limited aspects of the VRA. He will discuss current efforts to restore the VRA.
Join the LWV as we celebrate decades of voting rights advocacy and join our work to restore the VRA through the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We need a fully restored VRA to defend our democracy and protect the freedom to vote. The program is open to the public. Register online at www.lwvlacrosse.org.