How Challenges to the Voting Rights Act Could Reshape the Political Landscape
Ask students: How many years have voters been able to bring lawsuits directly in federal court to make sure that they are not being discriminated against?
Legal challenges surrounding voting rights in multiple states could alter the nation’s political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections. Georgia is redrawing its congressional maps after a judge ruled current maps dilute the power of Black voters. And another ruling could roll back decades of enforcement that protected minority representation. Laura Barrón-López discussed more with Janai Nelson.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who filed the legal challenges described in this story?
- What specific ruling was made by the Eighth Circuit Federal Appeals court?
- When did the special legislative session begin in Georgia?
- How many years have voters been able to bring lawsuits directly in federal court to make sure that they are not being discriminated against?
- Which states are primarily affected?
Focus Questions
How might the ruling contribute to voter suppression and racial discrimination in the electoral process?
Media literacy: Do you know where your local polling place is? Find out by checking with Vote Smart!
Extension Activity
Discuss: Why is the federal court's ruling on Georgia significant?
Check out the Student Reporting Labs video below on a family of election workers explaining what they do.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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