Federal Court Ruling Targets Voting Rights Act Provision

A federal appeals court decision could significantly limit the Voting Rights Act, restricting private lawsuits under a key section.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled that only the federal government can challenge election or voting practices under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, blocking private citizens and civil rights groups from suing. This ruling, if upheld by the Supreme Court, could weaken the enforcement of regulations designed to prevent racial discrimination in voting.