Virginia Voting Rights Act is a Lifeline for Black Voters and Communities of Color as Supreme Court Dismantles Federal Protections
May 4, 2026
Richmond, VA — On April 29, the Supreme Court issued one of the most devastating blows to voting rights of our times. In Louisiana v. Callais, a 6-3 majority struck down Louisiana’s majority-Black congressional district and eviscerated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which has long prevented states and localities from using racially discriminatory redistricting plans. The ruling marks a fundamental shift in the constitutional understanding of equality, voting rights, and Congress’ power.
In light of Callais, there is now greater urgency than ever for states to enact their own Voting Rights Acts. Claims brought in state court under State VRAs will be more effective than claims brought in federal court under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In the aftermath of the Callais decision, State VRAs will be an even more critical tool to remedy racial discrimination at the local level, discrimination that the federal courts lack the tools to counteract.
“It is clear that states need to protect voters from the federal judicial branch that is obliterating the basic tenants of democracy. Thankfully, with the passage of the Virginia Voting Rights Act, voters in working class communities of color throughout the commonwealth have better protections against discriminatory practices. We will continue to work with allies to ensure our voices are counted at the ballot,” said Tram Nguyen, co-director of New Virginia Majority.
“The Virginia Voting Rights Act is proof of what our communities can build when we fight together. While the Supreme Court has stripped away federal protections that generations of Black and brown voters organized and died for, Virginia has enshrined its own protections that give voters of color real tools to challenge discrimination, demand transparency, and hold power accountable at the local level. Advancement Project stands in solidarity with New Virginia Majority and Virginia’s communities of color as we continue to use every tool at our disposal to defend and expand these protections in the difficult days ahead,” said Hani Mirza, Director of the Power and Democracy Program, Advancement Project.
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Advancement Project is a next-generation, multi-racial civil rights organization. Rooted in the great human rights struggles for equality and justice, we exist to fulfill America’s promise of a caring, inclusive, and just democracy. We use innovative tools and strategies to strengthen social movements and achieve high-impact policy change. Visit www.advancementproject.org to learn more.
