Appellate Court Reaffirms Constitutionality of New York Voting Rights Act

NEW YORK – Yesterday, in Clarke v. Town of Newburgh, N.Y., the New York Appellate Court upheld the constitutionality of the New York Voting Rights Act (NYVRA). This decision reverses a lower court ruling that had previously found the law unconstitutional.

In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) issue the following statement:

“With this decision, the Court rightly solidified the power and constitutionality of the New York Voting Rights Act.”

“The NYVRA is one of the strongest, most comprehensive voting rights laws in the nation. From protecting all New Yorkers against voter intimidation and racial vote dilution to expanding language assistance, the NYVRA transformed New York’s voting rights landscape — making it easier for all New Yorkers to cast their ballots.”

“As communities of color face continued attacks on their voting power, there is no more important moment to ensure fair, equitable representation for all voters in New York. Our state — and democracy — is stronger when everyone has an equal opportunity to vote. We’re gratified that the Court agrees.”

This decision follows a recent settlement in New York Communities for Change v. Nassau County that replaced discriminatory, partisan legislative maps with fair maps. For more information on the NYVRA, please look here.

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