Selma, Alabama – Speaking at a church service in Selma, US Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the ongoing threat to Black voters’ rights in the United States. Garland expressed concern over the disenfranchisement efforts and the impact of court decisions on the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Since 2006, both Supreme Court and lower court rulings have weakened the Voting Rights Act, according to Garland. He emphasized the importance of protecting the foundation of the democratic system and ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to vote and elect their representatives.
The 1965 Voting Rights Act was a pivotal piece of legislation passed following a violent attack by Alabama police on civil rights activists, including the late John Lewis, as they marched for voting rights. Garland noted a surge in legislative measures that hinder voting access for millions of eligible voters, posing a threat to the democratic process.
In his address at Selma’s Tabernacle Baptist Church, Garland condemned proposals to allow state legislatures to overturn voters’ choices, arguing that it goes against the principles of representative democracy. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Black Americans and people of color, including gerrymandering and restrictive voting laws in predominantly Republican states.
Garland affirmed that the Department of Justice is actively challenging discriminatory voting restrictions, such as those related to mail-in voting, drop boxes, and voter ID requirements. Additionally, efforts are underway to combat discriminatory redistricting plans that dilute the voting power of Black voters and other marginalized communities.
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak after leading an annual march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The White House stated that Harris will honor the civil rights movement’s legacy, address ongoing justice efforts, and encourage Americans to continue fighting for fundamental freedoms in the face of mounting challenges.
The violence that occurred at the bridge 59 years ago played a significant role in mobilizing support for the Voting Rights Act, which aimed to eliminate discriminatory voting practices. Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, leading a pilgrimage to Selma, emphasized that the right to vote remains precarious and called for reflection on the nation’s current state.
As the nation grapples with safeguarding voting rights, events like the annual commemoration in Selma serve as reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. The need to protect and strengthen voting rights for all Americans remains a critical issue in the country today.