Help protect the Voting Rights Act – and find out what happened during the arguments

One week from today, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a case challenging a crucial provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  That provision, known as Section 5, requires certain jurisdictions to obtain advance approval from the Justice Department or a federal court before they change voting rules or procedures.

The Voting Rights Act was, and remains, the keystone in the arch of civil rights protection for people of color.  As our overview of the issues makes clear, that provision is needed now as much as ever.

FEB. 26: TWITTER TOWN HALL

On the day before the case is heard, join in a Twitter Town Hall about the Voting Rights Act.

FEB. 27: RALLY AT THE COURT

AFJ is part of a coalition working to protect the Voting Rights Act. Those efforts include a rally in front of the Supreme Court at 9:00 AM. AFJ President Nan Aron is among the scheduled speakers.  Get the details here.

FEB. 27: ANALYSIS ON JUSTICE WATCH

Then, in the hours after the argument, check back here at Justice Watch for comprehensive analysis. Legal experts will be posting here about key issues raised by the case, including:

• Whether the jurisdictions covered by Section 5 still need to be covered.
• Whether the geographic reach of the statute is justified.  Does it include too many places?  Does it include too few places?
• What has happened since the Court last took up the Voting Rights Act in 2009?
• What deference should the Court give to congressional findings of fact?

Guest bloggers include Prof. Franita Tolson of Florida State University, Prof. William Yeomans of American University and Prof. Bertrall Ross of the University of California Berkeley School of Law.

If the Supreme Court makes audio of the oral arguments available in time, we'll include relevant excerpts with the Blog posts.