05/11/2026
THE BLOOD THAT BOUGHT THE BALLOT
Our History. Our Rights. Our Future.
The right to vote is one of the most sacred rights in a democracy. For African Americans, that right was secured through decades of prayer, protest, sacrifice, and legal advocacy.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted after the Selma to Montgomery Marches and the events of “Bloody Sunday.” The law prohibited discriminatory voting practices and required certain states, including Louisiana, to obtain federal approval before changing election laws.
Why Many Say the Act Has Been “Gutted”
Several Supreme Court of the United States decisions have reduced the strength of the Act:
* Shelby County v. Holder weakened federal preclearance.
* Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee made some voting-rights claims harder to prove.
* Recent redistricting decisions have increased uncertainty regarding the future of majority-Black districts in Louisiana.
What Louisiana Voters Can Do
1. Register and vote in every election.
2. Stay informed about election dates and district maps.
3. Attend local meetings and public hearings.
4. Support organizations engaged in voting-rights advocacy and litigation.
5. Encourage civic participation in churches and community organizations.
Trusted Resources
* Louisiana Secretary of State – Elections and Voting
* NAACP Legal Defense Fund
* Brennan Center for Justice
* Campaign Legal Center
* Vote.org
A Legacy Worth Protecting
“Our ancestors paid a tremendous price to secure the right to vote. Honoring their sacrifice begins with staying informed, participating, and helping others do the same.”