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In reply to the discussion: Why the Justice Dept under Holder has been a failure [View all]Gothmog
(145,225 posts)97. Only five or so counties in Florida are covered by Section 5 of the VRA
Only a handful of counties in Florida are covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Despite this limitation, the DOJ was able to negotiate and implement some changes that increased the number of hours of early voting in Florida over what the State had proposed. http://www.democrats.org/news/blog/two_more_victories_for_voting_rights
Additionally, Florida agreed to expand early voting hours for five counties covered by the Voting Rights Act, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not object to this new plan. Because of a history of discrimination, the counties are subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, meaning that all election law changes must be approved before going into effect. In 2011, the Republican-controlled legislature reduced the early voting period from 96 mandatory hours to a minimum of 48 hours. A panel of federal judges refused to preclear the early voting cuts, noting that minority voters would be especially affected by the changes because they disproportionately use early in-person voting.
Consequently, in its new plan, the state agreed that the five counties must return to offering 96 hours of voting over eight days, which is the maximum allowed under the law. This significant victory for voters ensures that Section 5 counties will enjoy the same early voting hours that were available in 2008.
This weeks victories in Florida are part of a national trend of expanding voting rights across the country. In 2012, voting rights advocates have had increased success defending the fundamental right to vote. Courtrooms across the countryin states like Florida, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsinhave enjoined or struck down restrictive laws that violate the Voting Rights Act, the U.S. Constitution, or state constitutions. It is expected that courts across the country will continue to follow suit and rule in favor of protecting and expanding the right to vote through Election Day and beyond.
The DOJ did help in the counties in Florida that were subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act
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Voting rights, refusing to defend DOMA, challenging racist immigration laws,
geek tragedy
May 2013
#7
Holder has been very effective in protecting voting rights and effective on redistricting issues
Gothmog
May 2013
#58
This DOJ has been VERY effective. Check their record. They are quiet about what they do,
kelliekat44
May 2013
#93
+1. As you said, bring it. The winners of that will be democracy and the people. n/t
cui bono
May 2013
#75
+1 - If you let the GOP stop you from doing the right thing, they've completely won. n/t
cui bono
May 2013
#69
So? The gun running thing was nonsense, and Holder protected the right to vote. So what?
LondonReign2
May 2013
#15
DOMA? Thus far he has spend much more time and energy defending it with disgusting and uncalled for
Bluenorthwest
May 2013
#90
I did not blame him for that state of affairs but for his own silence on that state of affairs.
Bluenorthwest
May 2013
#92
No one said that. You said it was either/or and have not shown how that is true.
cui bono
May 2013
#88
thanks. it makes my heart sink. And yes, I think that overall, Holder has done a poor job
cali
May 2013
#12
this has nothing to do with hate and how about responding with some degree of cogency
cali
May 2013
#16
that's just crazy. I personally like Obama and until very recently I haven't said anthing about
cali
May 2013
#21
Yet you managed to miss this, which was posted... oh look at that , today!
Guy Whitey Corngood
May 2013
#63
Holding public servants responsible for their acts (or inaction) is "Hate"?
Tierra_y_Libertad
May 2013
#54
I am sorry to say this but this is a symptom of the problem of not having enough push
Xyzse
May 2013
#77