The Brennan Center and its allies have been part of a major achievement for democracy and voting rights. Just over a year ago we released our study showing that millions of Americans could find it harder to vote this year. Voting Law Changes in 2012 was the first full analysis of the assault on voting rights, and the first to bring national attention to the issue. Since then, there's been a fierce pushback against these laws, with the latest victories coming in Ohio and South Carolina. "Every voter restriction that has been challenged this year has been either enjoined, blocked or weakened," Lawrence Norden told The New York Times. “It has been an extraordinary string of victories for those opposing these laws.”
New Proposal Calls for an NYPD Inspector General
A new Brennan policy proposal calls for the establishment of an independent inspector general for the New York City Police Department. A Proposal for an NYPD Inspector General outlines the benefits of creating such an office, which would mirror the independent oversight at the FBI and the CIA.
Vote to Have Your Say
Registration deadlines are fast approaching. The Brennan Center released a new voting rights PSA and op-ed and encouraging citizens to understand the voting rules in their state, register on time, and to vote. See our 50-State Student Voting Guide.
William Louis-Dreyfus: Protect the Right to Vote
“There is a countrywide effort to prevent hundreds of thousands of people from voting,” wrote businessman William Louis-Dreyfus in a full-page New York Times ad calling for donations to nonpartisan organizations working to protect voting rights. Read more about the Center’s Election 2012 voting work.
Supreme Court: Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin - Affirmative Action Admissions
The Supreme Court heard argument Wednesday in Fisher v. Texas, which addresses once again the controversial issue of the use of race in university and college admissions. Read a full preview, reactions to arguments, and a piece in The Hill's Congress Blog.
Debate Analysis: Economics & Justice
Romney and Obama's economic plans articulated in the debate missed the mark, Inimai Chettiar wrote in the Huffington Post. She said "candidates must offer specific plans toward economic prosperity that go beyond taxes and budgets." She called for reforms to end mass incarceration and increase investments in public education.…
Events
Though some students may be disheartened with our nation's present course, the answer is not to disengage. The bold response is to act — and we can start by voting.
UT Austin Must Become a Symbol of Racial Justice
At least four students of color were recently attacked by other students with balloons filled with bleach while walking in West Campus, a student neighborhood near UT Austin. These attacks come at a time when the nation is debating whether UT Austin -- and the United States -- are "post-racial."
Inspector General for NYPD
(New York Law Journal, 10/11/12)
Wall Street Faults State Lobby Law
(Wall Street Journal, 10/11/12)
State Court Justice, for Sale or Rent
(The Atlantic, 10/11/12)
At Polling Places, Some Fear Monitors Will Challenge Some Legitimate Voters, Intimidate Others
(Associated Press, 10/11/12)