Groups want voting-rights renewal

[AmyStrange]

Groups want voting-rights renewal
Conference call gives examples of recent voter discrimination
By Julian Pecquet
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

FROM: http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/NEWS01/604080334/1010
With three provisions of the civil-rights era Voting Rights Act up for renewal next year, a left-leaning coalition is shining the spotlight on several states, including Florida, as proof that the anti-discriminatory measures are still needed.

In a conference call with reporters Friday, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and other groups presented a report by a University of Miami School of Law assistant professor that documents federal interventions in the Sunshine State over the past 24 years under the provisions of the 1965 law, which has been amended several times.

"A second generation of voter discrimination is alive and well in the nation," said Nancy Zirkin, deputy director of the Leadership Conference.

Renewal is important, especially at a time of polarized politics, Leon County Elections Supervisor Ion Sancho said.

<SNIP>

TO READ THE REST: http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/NEWS01/604080334/1010

Contact Julian Pecquet at [phone] or [e-mail].

Originally published April 8, 2006

Copyright ©2006 Tallahassee Democrat.

[DUHandle]

1. Over 100 elections were questioned

in Louisiana since the law went into effect.