T HE C OUNCIL

ROBERT JACKSON 7th District Manhattan Co-Chair

OF THE

C ITY

OF

N EW Y ORK
FERNANDO CABRERA 14th District Bronx Co-Chair

B LACK , L ATINO AND A SIAN C AUCUS

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS 45TH District Brooklyn Co-Vice Chair SARA GONZALEZ 38TH District Brooklyn Co-Vice Chair MARGARET CHIN 1ST District - Manhattan Secretary RUBEN WILLS 28TH District Queens Treasurer

CONTACT:

Alex Rias, Director of the BLA Caucus ARias@council.nyc.gov

June 25, 2013

BLAC: CONGRESS MUST ACT AS SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS PROVISIONS OF VOTING RIGHTS ACT

New York, NY Today, the United States Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965an Act that is perhaps the strongest, most successful legislative act to increase voter access MARIA DEL CARMEN ARROYO and inclusion into the democratic process in United States history. The Black, Latino and Asian Caucus 17th District Bronx (BLA Caucus) of the New York City Council is deeply dismayed by this rulingone that will leave Ex-officio Past Chair voting rights vulnerable to attempts to suppression of voter-turnout, registrations and civic inclusion HELEN DIANE FOSTER TH across the country. Congress must act to close this gap. 16 District Bronx
Ex-officio Past Chair CHARLES BARRON 42ND District Brooklyn LEROY COMRIE 27TH District Queens INEZ E. DICKENS 9TH District - Manhattan MATHIEU EUGENE 40TH District Brooklyn JULISSA FERRERAS 21TH District - Queens LETITIA JAMES 35TH District Brooklyn ANDY KING 12th District Bronx PETER KOO 20TH District - Queens MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO 8TH District Manhattan ERIK MARTIN-DILAN 37TH District Brooklyn DARLENE MEALY 41ST District - Brooklyn ROSIE MENDEZ 2ND District Manhattan ANNABEL PALMA 18TH District Bronx DIANA REYNA 34TH District Brooklyn DONOVAN RICHARDS 31st District Queens JOEL RIVERA 15TH District Bronx YDANIS RODRIGUEZ 10TH District Manhattan DEBORAH ROSE 49TH District Staten Island ALBERT VANN 36TH District Brooklyn ALEXANDER RIAS Director of BLAC Affairs

This Act has been a hallmark and pillar to the civil rights movement for more than 40 years, and has served a critical role as a balancing beam, halting the disenfranchisement of people of color. Sections 4 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act, in particular, have been vital; not only by expanding voting rights, but also by hemming closed some of the gaping holes in our countrys social fabric. The very nature of political dialogue has been reshapedfor the betterby the success of the Voting Rights Act. This ruling may do a disservice to minority communities, who are often the target of voter suppression, and to the country as a whole. By diminishing the publics voice by limiting their vote, a grab is made at our collective decision-making power. We regret the Supreme Courts decision to strike down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. The provision served as a containment measure to preserve the most essential right of American Citizens. We must protect our democracy and stop the advancement of the voter suppression agenda. We call on the Congress to make right this setback and restore Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, for our vote is the tangible expression of our freedom, said Council Member Fernando Cabrera, Co -Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus. I am greatly disappointed that the Supreme Court decided to strike down certain components of the Voting Rights Acts. These provisions were in place to protect citizens inalienable right to exercise their civic duty and express their choice via the power of voting without barriers. I urge our Congress to act swiftly to re-enact laws that will support the opportunity for all minority ethnic groups to coalesce and not fear that their voices will be suppressed. Many of us, including our great President, stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, who strived and persevered to build a better nation. We owe it to them and future generations to stand in unity and ensure that no one is denied their right to elect a representative of their choosing, said Council Member Robert Jackson, Co-Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus In New York City, Section 4 has applied to Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Protections provided by Sections 4 and 5 ensure that the process of redistricting is fair and equitable, and also ensures that changes to voting locations, and voting machines are made in ways that do not diminish anyones ability to express their vote. This Caucus encourages President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder to increase the important work done federally to hamper attempts to strip voting rights from eligible people. We also urge Congress to immediately address this issue legislatively. Failure to do so will undoubtedly spark reaction from minority and concerned voters alike. The very nature of our democracy may depend on this moment. ###

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