state laws

State-level voting rights acts were put forth in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. That is not unintentional, said Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values, before the decision.

“If section 2 gets weakened, you’re going to see a shift towards a lot of state-level strategies,” Hardy said. “You’re going to see more localized litigation, deepened investment in on-the-ground organizing. We’re realising that when federal protections are narrowed or become less reliable, which they have, unfortunately, the fight doesn’t stop. It ultimately relocates.

This landmark moment reflects years of tireless advocacy by legislative champions and state advocates, including the incredible work of Repro Rising Virginia and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. Earlier versions of the bill were passed by the state legislature but vetoed by the previous governor. The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is proud to have provided significant technical assistance throughout this multi-year effort and is ready to work with the state on implementation of the law.