Overview

• The Brennan Center for Justice reports a widening racial turnout gap, particularly in areas previously covered by the Voting Rights Act's preclearance requirement.
• The 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which weakened the Voting Rights Act, is identified as a key factor in the growing turnout disparity.
• Since the ruling, restrictive voting laws have proliferated, contributing to the increased gap in voter participation between white and nonwhite voters.
• The study finds that the turnout gap grew more rapidly in jurisdictions formerly under federal oversight, with significant implications for election outcomes.
• Experts call for the restoration of the Voting Rights Act to address the growing racial turnout gap and ensure equitable voter participation.