As the nation marks the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (Saturday, Aug. 6), the original intent of the ground-breaking law faces serious challenges in the courts, congress and at polling places, says University of Maryland political scientist Ronald Walters, who has written a new book about its legacy and its future " "Freedom is Not Enough: Black Voters, Black Candidates, and American Presidential Politics."
"There were significant instances of disenfranchisement of minority voters in both the 2000 and 2004 elections," Walters says. "These were not only machine problems, they were human actions, and this shows the need for strengthening the Voting Rights Act."
Recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, such as the Bossier Parish case (2000), could potentially weaken the law, Walters says. Also, it faces a legislative hurdle in 2007 when three important provisions are set to expire. "I'm optimistic that congress will extend the parts of the law that are set to expire, but it's not a slam dunk," he adds. "It's crucial that congress get the language right."
RONALD WALTERS " political scientist, professor and director, African American Leadership Institute, Academy of Leadership, University of Maryland
EXPERTISE: African American political leadership; national politics; urban politics
CREDENTIALS: books include: "Freedom is Not Enough: Black Voters, Black Candidates, and American Presidential Politics," "Black Presidential Politics in America," "White Nationalism, Black Interests: Conservative Public Policy and the Black Community" and "African American Leadership;" deputy campaign manager, Jesse Jackson presidential campaign (1984)
WEB SITE: http://www.academy.umd.edu/AboutUs/staff/RWalters.htm
RSS