The Value of a Vote: Reassessing Political Equality

Over the last decade the Supreme Court has shown an increased interest in weighing in on issues affecting the integrity of the political process. From the Court’s holding in Citizens United v. FEC to its recent decision to grant certiorari in Shelby County v. Holder, challenging the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, the Court’s rulings have a significant impact on political equality in this country. How will these decisions affect the health of our democracy? What are the implications of Shelby on the future of voting rights? Has the Court dismissed the idea that equalizing opportunity for political influence is a legitimate value when it comes to voting rights and campaign finance regulation? What is the future for voter political participation? What challenges lie ahead? Panelists explored these and other questions in a thought provoking discussion about the vitality of our democracy and the civic participation on which it relies. Speakers included: 

 

Linda Greenhouse, Joseph Goldstein Lecturer in Law, Yale Law School and Member, ACS Board of Directors 

 

Ryan P. Haygood, Director of the Political Participation Group, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund (LDF) 

 

Pamela S. Karlan, Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law and Co-Director, Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, Stanford Law School; Member, ACS Board of Directors

 

Nina Perales, Vice President of Litigation, Mexican American 

Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)

 

Richard H. Pildes, Sudler Family Professor of Constitutional Law, New York University School of Law

 

Steven R. Shapiro, Legal Director, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)