June 15, 2023 —The Dallas Morning News published a letter to the editor from partner William Brewer praising the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision upholding Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
The letter text follows:
The U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is a major civil rights victory that should be of interest to everyone in North Texas. In a 5-4 vote, the court found in favor of Black voters in an Alabama congressional redistricting case. The decision underscores the role the act plays in ensuring fair representation to voters of color.
Many successful Section 2 Voting Rights Act lawsuits in North Texas have resulted in more equitable voting systems and the election of minority school board trustees and City Council members. There seems to be a misinformed movement that argues racial discrimination no longer plagues our electoral processes. But voting in many communities continues to be racially polarized, as white voters typically support white candidates — to the exclusion of minority candidates.
As Texas communities become more diverse, the need for more representative local governments and school boards becomes more acute. There is an urgent need to replace antiquated and discriminatory at-large electoral systems. We should remember the words of Congressman John Lewis, who called voting the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.