In a series of rulings, courts in three states have blocked controversial measures aimed at limiting voter access ahead of the November 5 general election, Al Jazeera reports.
The decisions come amidst a growing national debate over voting rights, fueled by false claims of widespread voter fraud.
In Alabama, US District Judge Anna Manasco issued a preliminary injunction halting a voter purging program initiated by Republican Secretary of State Wes Allen. Allen argued the program was necessary to remove “noncitizens” from the voter rolls, a claim widely disputed by experts. The program, which would have rendered certain voters inactive, was challenged by the US Department of Justice and voting rights groups, who argued it could disenfranchise legal citizens.
The court agreed, finding the program violated a federal law prohibiting the systematic removal of voters from registration lists within 90 days of a federal election. Notably, Clay Helms, Allen’s chief of staff, testified that 2,000 of the 3,251 individuals deemed “inactive” were actually legally registered citizens.
In Nebraska, a judge upheld the right to vote for individuals who have completed their felony sentences. This decision prevents a restrictive measure that would have restricted voting rights for those who have paid their debt to society.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, a court declared unconstitutional new rules that would have made it easier to challenge election results. These rules, viewed by many as an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of future elections, were criticized for potentially opening the door to frivolous legal challenges that could delay or even overturn election outcomes.
These court victories have been hailed by voting rights groups as crucial wins for American democracy. The courts have recognized that these attempts to restrict voting access are nothing more than thinly veiled efforts to suppress the voices of marginalized communities.”
