The Voting Rights Act is younger than most members of Congress and it's already being gutted

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a major hallmark of policy and legislation that protected the right to vote for millions of Americans. By outlawing certain practices, the VRA reduces barriers, ensures similar political power in each vote and focuses on long-term equality.

Yet it is being dismantled in real time.

The Power Coalition holds a press conference. Credit. WBRZ.

By: MMM Editorial Team, Keirah Chen

The Voting Rights Act is 61 years old.

Younger than many of the people in Congress (that were actually sworn to uphold it). Too young to collect Social Security. And much too young to already be dismantled.

Yet following the recent landmark SCOTUS decisions, the teeth of this act are being removed. Let's discuss why this matters for making change and shaping the America we want:

More Than Just a Ballot

The VRA does not just impact whether or not you need a specific ID to vote. It shapes our very neighborhoods, dictating how district lines are drawn and ensuring our communities of color are not divided to dilute their political power. When the VRA is weakened, this affects resources, housing, and community representation.

For example, the literary test era was not that long ago. People were asked to interpret sections of the Constitution or count jellybeans in a jar just to get their ballot. Some of these tests were subjective and designed to This ensured voting was not a right guaranteed to everyone.

The current administration and its recent rulings have made it harder to challenge discriminatory voting maps, essentially telling marginalized communities to wait and see whether or not their voice will be stripped away. From district maps to polling sites and – even the hours they operate on Voting Day– many of these small to major protections are all under the VRA.

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Let's now talk about three organizations who are fighting back for the landmark act:

The Front Lines: 3 Organizations That Are Fighting Back

We do not watch the fire; we support the people acting as firefighters.

Here are three organizations doing the work to protect access to voting rights

• The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice: A Louisiana-based community organizing group on the literal front lines of the most consequential VRA battle happening right now. Their president and CEO Ashley Shelton has been working around the clock to close the voter registration gap in Louisiana (a state with a high Black population), while running a statewide traveling educational roadshow on the state's voting rights bill and other relevant policy. The goal: Influence policy + ensure the people impacted by such policy actually know what's available to them.

• Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ): A Durham-based legal powerhouse combining impact litigation, redistricting advocacy, and community education across the South. This is a group focused on the very real, ground-zero ways people will be influenced. Additionally, by having a legal arm they are able to engage in real litigation, influencing how rights are protected in the first place. SCSJ fights for racially equitable voting maps at every level of government and are currently challenging the laws being passed in the immediate aftermath of Section 2 being gutted. Not a household name but absolutely should be.

• Black Voters Matter: Less courtroom, more community. BVM is focused on local politics and putting in candidates who actually care for the people they represent. This group is building civic power in Black communities 365 days a year, not just election season or post SCOTUS decision. If you want to support the organizing layer that keeps people engaged between the headlines and with an evergreen approach to politics over policy, this is where to start.

How You Can Support the Fight

Making change does not require a law degree or endless donation; it just requires actionable support. Raising awareness and getting people to vote for the members of Congress who will support important policy like this are key and an even more direct fight is to get into the courtroom and ensure that the striking down and removing of this policy is immediately faced.

Additionally, make sure to pay attention to your local redistricting meetings, as this is where the VRA is most quietly dismantled.