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High Court to Hear Challenge to Voting Rights Act

Provision forcing local governments, mainly in South, to clear changes with feds at issue

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2009 3:23 PM CST

(Newser) – The US Supreme Court agreed today to hear a case that challenges a central section of the 1965 Voting Rights Act designed to protect minority voters in discriminatory districts, the New York Times reports. Section 5 of the law, which forces many Southern states and select districts elsewhere to get permission from the federal government before changing election rules, is at issue.

The plaintiff is a Texas district incorporated in the 1980s that claims it has no history of discrimination, and seeks self-determination and the removal of stigma associated with the classification. Chief Justice John Roberts fought against the 1982 extension of the requirement; President Bush urged the court not to hear the case.

The steps of the US Supreme Court. (AP Photo)

Members of the US Supreme Court. (AP Photo)

Security guards stand on the steps of the Supreme Court. (AP Photo)

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts opposed the reauthorization of Section 5 in 1982, while working for the Reagan administration. (AP Photo)

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High Court to Hear Challenge to Voting Rights Act

Provision forcing local governments, mainly in South, to clear changes with feds at issue

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John Roberts • Texas • appeal • Austin • Voting Rights Act • US Supreme Court • civil rights movement • racial discrimination

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Supreme Court Bans Warrantless GPS Tracking

Obama administration had argued that tracking cars didn't constitute a search

Supreme Court Axes Texas Electoral Map

They say judge strayed too far from legislature's vision

Judge Roberts: All Justices Can Rule on Obamacare

Chief justice says Supreme Court peers can't withdraw

Landmark Texas Sodomy Case Slips Perry's Mind

Gay-rights case he opposed doesn't ring a bell

Rick Perry Asked to Halt Tomorrow's Execution

Jury told black men pose greater danger

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High Court to Hear Challenge to Voting Rights Act

Provision forcing local governments, mainly in South, to clear changes with feds at issue

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

John Roberts • Texas • appeal • Austin • Voting Rights Act • US Supreme Court • civil rights movement • racial discrimination

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Supreme Court Bans Warrantless GPS Tracking

Obama administration had argued that tracking cars didn't constitute a search

Supreme Court Axes Texas Electoral Map

They say judge strayed too far from legislature's vision

Judge Roberts: All Justices Can Rule on Obamacare

Chief justice says Supreme Court peers can't withdraw

Landmark Texas Sodomy Case Slips Perry's Mind

Gay-rights case he opposed doesn't ring a bell

Rick Perry Asked to Halt Tomorrow's Execution

Jury told black men pose greater danger

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?