Press Releases
Congresswoman Wilson’s Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Allen V. Milligan
Washington,
June 9, 2023
Tags:
Voting Rights
Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Allen v. Milligan case, concluding that Alabama’s Congressional maps unconstitutionally dilute the strength of Black voters: “Yesterday’s Supreme Court landmark decision in Allen v. Milligan stands as a resounding nationwide victory for voting rights and equal representation in our democracy. After the onslaught of attacks on voting rights across America, especially in Florida, this court's decision sends a powerful message that discriminatory voting practices have no place in our society. “As a proud Floridian, I am hopeful this case will have major policy implications across states in the south and Florida. During the recent redistricting cycle, three Congressional seats, held by Representatives Al Lawson, Stephanie Murphy, and Charlie Christ, were unjustly robbed from Democrats by diluting the voting power of Black voters. These discriminatory redistricting efforts by the Florida Legislature fragmented large Black communities like those in North Florida that, for the first time since Reconstruction Era, were able to choose representation in Congress that reflected their community. Such actions not only violate the Constitution but also diminish the number of Democrats in Congress, at a time when Republicans hold a close to single-digit majority. "This landmark ruling opens a window of hope in Florida where voting rights and racial gerrymandering have become standard practice. Most importantly, it underscores the fundamental principle that every American deserves a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process, regardless of their state, background, or race. “Now, more than ever, we must continue the fight to dismantle barriers, eliminate voter suppression tactics, and create a more equitable electoral system. This victory affirms that we need to continue our relentless pursuit of fair and accessible elections for all Americans. It is abundantly clear that we must persist and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to solidify the gains made by countless generations of civil rights leaders and to protect the integrity of our great democratic experiment.” |