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The Voting Rights Act turns 60 — but its promise is still under threat

August 6, 2025

On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting, concerns about voting rights protections remain significant. Despite its landmark status in advancing democracy after decades of Black disenfranchisement, the law faces modern challenges including Supreme Court decisions weakening key provisions and new legislation like the SAVE Act that could disproportionately impact women and transgender voters. Civil rights advocates, including Black transgender activist Marisa Richmond, voting rights expert Danielle Lang, Arizona organizer Alejandra Gomez, and the League of Women Voters, continue fighting for equal ballot access against what they see as growing threats to representative democracy.

Who is affected

  • Black and Brown residents, including women of color
  • Transgender Americans (potentially 319,800 who could be stricken from voter rolls if the SAVE Act passes)
  • Married women without birth certificates reflecting their legal last names
  • Low-propensity voters and voters of color in Arizona
  • Latinx communities in Arizona
  • Immigrant communities

What action is being taken

  • Marisa Richmond is fighting voter ID requirements and continuing to combat disenfranchisement nationally
  • Campaign Legal Center is fighting for access to the polls through their voting rights work
  • Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) is conducting "deep organizing" by building neighborhood teams and engaging communities in conversations about democracy
  • The League of Women Voters is running the "Unite and Rise 8.5" initiative focused on advocacy, civic education and community engagement
  • Grassroots organizers are working to turn out voters and expand political representation

Why it matters

  • The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is considered foundational to American democracy
  • Key aspects of the law have been struck down by the Supreme Court, threatening its protections
  • New legislation like the SAVE Act could create barriers for significant numbers of eligible voters
  • Transgender voters already face steep barriers in accessing the polls
  • The creation of a multiracial democracy requires ongoing protection of voting rights
  • Democracy requires active defense and civic engagement to function properly

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th

The Voting Rights Act turns 60 — but its promise is still under threat