Statement of Governor Perdue Regarding U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Case Dealing with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in a Texas case that challenged the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a clear signal that the Court believes Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act raises ‘serious constitutional questions.’ Unfortunately, the Court chose to rule only on the narrow, statutory issue presented. As we outlined in our brief, I believe Section 5 is an outdated provision of the VRA that harkens back to a day Georgians have worked diligently to move beyond. I believe it is time to remove the stigma placed on Georgia and several other states, as we have earned our right to be treated equally. Today’s ruling indicates the Supreme Court understands that the significant burden placed on states is based on prior conduct that is not reflective of today’s realities. I look forward to the day when this provision is either ruled unconstitutional, or, if ruled constitutional, then applied to all 50 states rather than singling out a few.”

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