U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Public Briefing: An Assessment of Minority Voting Rights Access in the United States

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights announces a public briefing on minority voting rights access on Friday, February 2, in Raleigh, North Carolina. For six decades, the Commission has advocated for free and fair exercise of the vote. Using North Carolina as a lens through which to examine voting rights nationwide, the Commission will carry on our enduring role as the only independent, bipartisan federal agency working to safeguard the civil rights of all.

DATE: Friday, February 2, 2018
LOCATION: Marriott Crabtree Valley Hotel, 4500 Marriott Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612
AGENDA: Expert panels: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm EST
Open Public Comment Period: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST

Our Commissioners will hear from current and former officials, legal experts, academics, and civil society organizations. Panelists will discuss federal enforcement efforts after the 2006 reauthorization of the temporary provisions of the Voting Rights Act (VRA); the impact of the Shelby County v. Holderdecision; and whether new or enhanced federal protections could expand voting opportunities for all Americans, including those historically underrepresented because of race, color, and/or minority language group membership. The public will have an opportunity to address the Commission during an open comment period. Testimony will form an integral basis for our planned 2018 enforcement report, which will offer recommendations for action by the Administration, Congress, legislators, and state and local officials.

Please see the full briefing agenda, including information regarding participating in the open public comment period. The briefing will also be live-streamed. If attending in person, we ask that you RSVP to publicaffairs@usccr.gov.

With a legacy of impact on voting rights, beginning with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Commission is proud to continue its longstanding advocacy in defense of a fundamental right of our democracy.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957, is the only independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights and reporting annually on federal civil rights enforcement. The Commission: in our 7th decade, a continuing legacy of influence in civil rights. For information about the Commission, please visit http://www.usccr.gov and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Contact: Brian Walch
Email: bwalch@usccr.gov 
Tel: 202-376-8371

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SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights