Today, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais that weakens the Voting Rights Act  to protect minority opportunity districts—one of the greatest tools for protecting equal political power in our democracy. For decades, the VRA has helped prevent politicians from manipulating election rules and district lines to silence Black and Brown voters across the South.  

Let’s be clear: this decision undermines voting rights. It’s part of a calculated effort to keep Republicans in power by disenfranchising Americans of color. When elected officials choose their voters rather than the other way around, accountability fails.  

We should expect new attempts to gerrymander maps and dilute the voting strength of communities that have fought to be heard. This remains especially dangerous in places like Georgia, where attacks on voting access and election administration by Republicans are now routine and our governor will be a lame duck after November.

Decisions like this can lock in power for generations—even when the public wants change. That means fewer competitive elections, fewer leaders who feel pressure to listen, and more communities living with policies they never chose. When voting rights are weakened, the harm shows up in the most intimate moments of real life—in decisions about our schools, health care, jobs, housing, and public safety.  

But here’s the truth: we are not powerless. If your vote didn’t matter, they wouldn’t be trying so hard to take it away. Our response must be strategic and determined. Take action now by learning about the candidates and voting in Georgia’s judicial elections.

Judges make decisions that shape how voting rules are interpreted, how rights are protected, and whether democracy is defended in practice—not just in theory. Early voting is underway until May 15th, and Election Day is May 19. Make a concrete plan: confirm your polling place, schedule your voting time, and remind three friends to vote. Offer them a ride if needed and share voting information. Turn voting into a collective effort.

We’ve spent years proving—again and again—that Fulton County elections are free, fair, and accurate. This ruling is another reminder that democracy is not self-sustaining. It’s defended by people who show up.