The National Association of Social Workers–New York strongly condemns the United States Supreme Court's decision to dismantle key protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This decision represents a profound setback for civil rights and an erosion of the hard-fought progress secured during the Civil Rights Movement.

On April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court struck down Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act — the provision that required federal oversight of voting laws and districts adopted by states with a history of racial discrimination in voting (Donegan, 2026). The Voting Rights Act of 1965 stands as one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in United States history. Enacted during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, it was designed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting and ensure that all citizens — particularly Black Americans in the South — could exercise their constitutional right to vote without barriers such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation.

Who the Voting Rights Act Impacts

The Voting Rights Act has had a profound impact on historically marginalized communities, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian American voters. It has also benefited older adults, individuals with disabilities, and language minority populations by requiring accessible voting practices and protections against discriminatory policies. At its core, the Act protects the democratic participation of communities that have been systematically excluded from political power.

Why This Landmark Legislation Was Important

The Act was critical because it shifted the responsibility from individuals to challenge discrimination to the federal government to prevent it. A key provision — Section 5 — required jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing voting laws, a process known as "preclearance." This process was instrumental in increasing voter registration and political representation among marginalized groups, helping to reshape the democratic landscape of the United States through representation for all groups of people.

Impact of Supreme Court Decisions

In the Shelby County v. Holder decision, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the coverage formula that determined which jurisdictions were subject to preclearance, effectively weakening the enforcement power of the Voting Rights Act.

As a result, several states previously covered by preclearance have enacted new voting laws, including voter ID requirements, polling place closures, and restrictions on early and mail-in voting. These changes have raised concerns about renewed barriers to voting, particularly for communities of color and low-income populations.

Real-World Impact

The weakening of the Act has had tangible consequences:

• Closure of polling locations in communities with high concentrations of Black and Latino voters
• Increased travel distances and wait times to vote
• Reduction of voting machines in communities with high concentrations of Black and Latino voters, resulting in excessively long wait times that can extend beyond poll closing hours, effectively disenfranchising eligible voters
• Implementation of strict voter ID laws that disproportionately impact low-income individuals and older adults
• Challenges to voter roll maintenance practices that have removed eligible voters

These changes can reduce voter participation and undermine equitable representation in democratic processes.

The Role of Social Workers

Social workers, guided by the NASW Code of Ethics, have a professional responsibility to challenge social injustice and promote equitable access to resources and opportunities — including civic participation. In response to these challenges, social workers can:

• Advocate for policies that protect and expand voting rights
• Educate clients and communities about voter registration and access
• Join NASW-NY and participate in our Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) Committee and Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) — our power has always remained with the collective voice
• Partner with community organizations to increase civic engagement
• Address structural barriers that limit participation, such as transportation and access to information
• Engage in policy practice to support legislation that strengthens voting protections

Upholding voting rights is directly aligned with the profession's commitment to social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships.