Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to review an Arkansas voting-rights case, leaving in place an appeals court ruling that limits who can sue to enforce part of the Voting Rights Act in seven states.
The case involves Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act, which allows voters with disabilities or limited ability to read or write to receive help from a person of their choice. Arkansas United, an immigrant advocacy group, challenged an Arkansas law that limits how many voters one person may assist.
A federal judge previously ruled that the Arkansas law violated Section 208. But the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed part of that ruling, finding that private individuals and groups do not have the right to bring Section 208 lawsuits.
By declining review, the Supreme Court did not issue a new ruling on the merits. However, the 8th Circuit decision remains binding in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
NPR reported that private lawsuits have long been central to enforcing the Voting Rights Act. Critics of the 8th Circuit approach say relying only on the Justice Department could reduce enforcement because federal priorities shift between administrations.
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