FitzGerald Calls Ruling ‘Step Backwards for Voting Rights’

In response to today’s Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Cuyahoga County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald released the following statement:

“I’m incredibly disappointed by today’s Supreme Court ruling, which is a step backward for voting rights and weakens the progress we’ve made toward equal opportunity for all. The court’s decision implies that an individual’s race and zip code no longer have an effect on equal access to the ballot. Unfortunately during the 2012 cycle we saw that’s not the case, and the Voting Rights Act was essential in stopping unnecessary requirements that would have created obstacles for voting–especially in Ohio.

“As Americans, our right to vote is sacred, and we should be working to ensure every citizen has equal access to the polls.”