IMMEDIATE ADOPTION
Number
260104
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
COMMON COUNCIL
Title
Resolution expressing the City of Milwaukee's opposition to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court relating to the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City of Milwaukee’s opposition to the United States Supreme Court’s April 29, 2026 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which limited the use of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in redistricting matters. The resolution further reaffirms the City’s support for the protection of voting rights, equal access to the political process, and the continued enforcement of federal voting rights protections.
Body
Whereas, The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark federal civil rights law enacted to prohibit racial discrimination in voting and to enforce the guarantees of the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution; and
Whereas, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act has long served as a critical protection against voting practices and electoral structures that weaken the voting strength of racial minority communities; and
Whereas, On April 29, 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, striking down a Louisiana congressional map and weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act; and
Whereas, Louisiana v. Callais limits the circumstances under which compliance with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act may justify race-conscious redistricting; and
Whereas, The decision makes it more difficult to challenge discriminatory district maps by requiring proof that mapmakers intentionally drew districts to disadvantage voters because of race; and
Whereas, The dissenting Justices warned that the decision may limit minority voters’ ability to elect candidates of their choice; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee has a strong interest in protecting the voting rights of all residents and ensuring that every eligible voter has access to and engagement with the political process; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee opposes the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais and any action that weakens the protections provided by the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City of Milwaukee reaffirms its support for the full protection and enforcement of federal voting rights laws, including protections intended to prevent racial vote dilution and ensure equal access to the political process; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall send copies of this resolution to the City’s delegation in the United States Congress.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB181609-1
Beka Bein
05/07/2026