Posted on June 23, 2026
Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court further weakened the Voting Rights Act by refusing to take the case of Arkansas United v. Thurston, regarding whether Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act is enforceable by private individuals and organizations. The 8th Circuit Court decision says that individuals and groups do not have a private right of action to enforce Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. A private right of action is a legal tool which allows an individual or organization to file a civil lawsuit based on an alleged violation of law. Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act allows voters with a disability or inability to read or write to receive assistance with voting from a person of their choice. The 8th Circuit Court ruled that only Attorneys General have the right to sue to enforce Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act, and that no private right of action exists. This decision is in opposition to years of legal precedent and weakens the Voting Rights Act, because until now, Section 208 of the Act has largely been enforced through private lawsuits from individuals and organizations, not state Attorneys General. The Supreme Court declined to take the case, which means that the 8th Circuit decision stands. The 8th Circuit includes Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
You can read an NPR article about this case here: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/22/nx-s1-5863532/supreme-court-voting-rights-act-private-right-arkansas