Voting Rights Institute Training

The landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 is undoubtedly one of the most successful civil rights laws in our Nation’s history, and remains an important piece of national legislation that is still relevant today. However, the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder effectively nullified the Act’s special preclearance provisions. As a result, until Congress amends the Act, voting rights litigation will be the only path available to minority voters seeking to protect their rights against discriminatory voting laws.

On October 8, 2014, the American Constitution hosted a half-day training program at the Miami Voting Rights Training Institute, taught by some of the most respected voting rights practitioners in the country. This training's goal was to arm attendees with the tools and tips necessary to become active members of the voting rights bar and provide an opportunity for new and returning members of the voting rights community to meet and strategize about the challenges to come. 

Panel discussion included: 

• Nancy Abudu, Director of Legal Operations , ACLU of Florida
• Neil Bradley, Former Associate Director at ACLU Voting Rights Project
• Chad Dunn, Partner, Brazil & Dunn
• Gerry Hebert, Executive Director & Director of Litigation, Campaign Legal Center
• Franita Tolson, Betty T. Ferguson Professor of Voting Rights, Florida State University College of Law