Voting Rights Act Coverage

NC voter residency law is unconstitutional, retiree group says in new lawsuit

The lawsuit cites the Voting Rights Act and U.S. Supreme Court precedent striking down residency wait times as unconstitutional. Behind the lawsuit is a prominent Democratic lawyer who has previously sued the state over voting rights claims.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

After long legal battle, voter ID arrives in NC. But could it be gone again by 2024?

Critics of the state's voter ID law argue that it disenfranchises older Black voters, who are less likely to carry identification documents. A lawsuit seeks to block the state from requiring voters to show photo identification.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Voting rights activists mark 58 years since passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act

Sunday marked 58 years since the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Since then, local voting rights activist have said there have been multiple challenges to the right to vote.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL anchor/reporter

Social justice leaders mark 58 years since passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act

Voting rights activists say the law has been challenged since its passage 58 years ago.

Repeal of racist voting test in NC Constitution passes first hurdle

The measure asks voters to approve the removal of an 1899 provision meant to keep newly-freed Black citizens from exercising their right to vote. If approved, it would be on the ballot in fall 2024.

Repeal of racist voting test in NC Constitution passes first hurdle

The measure asks voters to approve the removal of an 1899 provision meant to keep newly-freed Black citizens from exercising their right to vote. If approved, it would be on the ballot in fall 2024.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Voters could have chance to repeal NC's Jim Crow-era voting test in 2024

North Carolina lawmakers are trying again this year to remove a Jim Crow-era voting test from the state's constitution. This year, the amendment's chances of making it onto voters' ballots may be better than in the past.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Social justice leaders to gather in downtown Raleigh to protest partisan voting maps

Activist Rev. William Barber will join others in downtown Raleigh outside the General Assembly to ask lawmakers to take more action to protect the right of low-income families and people of color to vote.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Voting Rights Bill. The mouse that roared

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

Department of Justice suing Georgia over restrictive voting law

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the news in a Friday press address.

Local policy center working to restore the voting rights of nearly 60,000 North Carolinians

Policy, law and strategy center Forward Justice is working to secure voting rights for citizens in the south who are most vulnerable to voter suppression. It is fighting against measures such as voter I.D. laws and felony disenfranchisement to give everyone an equal opportunity to participate in democracy.

Latisha Catchatoorian, WRAL Digital Solutions

Editorial: Celebrating John Lewis as Trump seeks to stall an election

Friday, July 31, 2020 -- What a day of contrasts. We heard about a righteous man, raised in poverty and segregation being celebrated for his work to extend voting rights that were denied African Americans. We were confronted by a self-centered a man raised in wealth and privilege, looking to divide the nation and discredit the integrity of the election.

John Lewis crosses famous Alabama bridge one last time

The body of the late US Rep. John Lewis will make the final journey across the famous bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he helped lead a march for voting rights in 1965.

A history of voting rights infringement and the continued fight in NC

America, but more specifically, the south, has a long legacy of voter suppression that persists today. Policy, law, and strategy center Forward Justice in Durham is working to secure voting rights for citizens in the south who are most vulnerable to disenfranchisement and is fighting oppressive legislation to give all North Carolinians an equal opportunity to participate in democracy.

Latisha Catchatoorian, WRAL Digital Solutions

Speakers at hearing urge Congress to restore Voting Rights Act

A congressional subcommittee held a hearing on voting rights in Halifax County Thursday. The invited witnesses all spoke in favor of restoring the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

Dave Hendrickson, WRAL enterprise editor