In 1943, historian Henry Steele Commager warned us about the U.S. Supreme Court. He believed it could undermine democracy. Fast forward to April 29, 2026, and his concerns became reality when the Court weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This section aims to protect citizens from voting discrimination based on race or language.
The Court’s ruling isn’t just about Section 2. It follows a troubling pattern of decisions that have chipped away at democracy. Recent stats show that about 22% of Americans think the Supreme Court is acting in ways that harm their voting rights, reflecting a growing discontent.
One of the most significant decisions came in 2010 with Citizens United v. FEC. The Court lifted longstanding limits on campaign spending, allowing corporations to flood the political arena with money. This decision led to a surge in Super PACs, which now play a significant role in elections, far outweighing traditional funding sources.
In 2013, the Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, making it easier for states to implement laws that could disenfranchise voters—especially minorities. Chief Justice John Roberts argued that the Act was no longer necessary. His ruling opened doors to new voting restrictions, which have mostly targeted communities of color.
Further, in 2019, the Court ruled that states could engage in partisan gerrymandering. This means they could draw voting districts in ways that favor one political party over another, manipulating who gets to vote and how their votes count.
Most recently, the ruling on Section 2 reflects a troubling trend where the burden of proof is placed on voters to show that discrimination is intentional. Senator Raphael Warnock from Georgia spoke out against this logic, calling it misleading and dismissive of our history.
What can we learn from all this? It’s clear that defending democracy requires active engagement. History teaches that when people organize and vote, they can change the landscape. The Founding Fathers envisioned a government accountable to its citizens.
As many experts highlight, the fight for voting rights isn’t over. Activism around these issues can spark significant changes, as we’ve seen with movements advocating for automatic voter registration and other protective measures.
In short, history shows us that we must remain vigilant. Use your vote and your voice to safeguard democracy. There’s work to do, and every action counts.
