The Justice Department has filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, backing the right of private citizens to bring lawsuits to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the importance of this right, stating, “The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and it is the right on which all other rights depend.” She highlighted the role of private parties in enforcing the Voting Rights Act, enabling countless Americans to vote free from discrimination.
U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam echoed this sentiment, affirming, “The Voting Rights Act gives private citizens a voice to stand up to unlawful voting discrimination by their government.” He expressed his commitment to enforcing civil rights statutes and protecting private citizens' right to enforce the Act.
The Justice Department’s statement of interest was filed in the case of Aquino and Lopez v. Hazleton Area School District, where plaintiffs allege that the method of electing the school board unlawfully diminishes Hispanic voters' ability to elect candidates. The department argued in its filing that private parties have the authority to enforce the Voting Rights Act directly.
Since January 2021, the Justice Department has filed 18 statements of interest and amicus briefs supporting private parties' right to file suits under the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act to protect voting rights. In total, 32 statements of interest have been filed to safeguard the right to vote across the country.
For more information on voting and elections, individuals can visit the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Resources on the Voting Rights Act and federal voting laws are available at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website or by calling 800-253-3931.