The U.S. Supreme Court decision striking Section 4 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act will allow the Virginia Counties of Accomack and Northampton on the Eastern Shore to make electoral changes without getting pre-clearance of the federal government.
Before the ruling any such change such as redrawing electoral districts to the choice of voting machines had to wait 60 day for a decision from the U.S. Justice Department.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell issued a statement saying that he remained committed to protecting the voting rights of the state’s citizens under the provisions left under the Voting Rights Act.
Meanwhile, Virginia’s two Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine both said they were concerned and disappointed.
Warner tweeted that he would work with his colleagues in Congress to put in place a fair process that ensures elections are open to all.
Kaine worried about how to protect voting rights while Congress acts.
Locally, Accomack County Deputy voter Registrar Patricia White who takes over the position on July 1st told the Salisbury Daily Times that the ruling will save a lot of time and money in some instances.
