A Three judge panel of the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard a case that could significantly define the limits of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
At issue is an amendment to North Carolina’s constitution passed in 2013 that requires government and university issued IDs be used when voting in elections. Opponents of the amendment argued that the bill would disproportionately impact non-white voters in the state. North Carolina countered that the bill was put in place to protect the integrity of the voting system and those without follow applicable laws can’t be discriminated against.
The appeals court ruled that the Voting Rights Act does not apply in this situation because the state’s ID policy does not actually deny anyone the right to vote. Instead, the court determined that the law is an administrative measure designed to further protect the integrity of elections.
The ruling could have significant implications for other states if it is upheld. States could pass similar legislation requiring IDs for voting and as long as those IDs are easily obtained, could face fewer lawsuits claiming denial of voting rights. Further, if upheld, this decision could also serve as an example of precedent for other voting related issues.
The decision made by the appeals court is being watched closely across the country. If ultimately upheld, it could have a major impact on voting rights in America. While North Carolina’s 2013 law was ultimately designed to protect the integrity of elections, the decision could be used to create similar laws in other states that have the potential to disproportionately impact non-white voters. Only time will tell how this decision will ultimately affect our democracy.
“Voting Rights Act in Peril: Appeals Court Decision Could Restrict Enforcement
