“In a show of ignorance about what is truly at stake in Husted, a majority of the court gave Ohio the green light to remove voters from the rolls if they have not voted in a mere two years and do not return a card affirming their place of residence in four years. To the voter lucky enough to have the time and means to vote regularly, these requirements may seem inconsequential. For those who lack transportation to the polls, can’t stand in line indefinitely while understaffed polling places seek to accommodate them, or who believe their interests are not at stake in a particular election, such requirements may prove insurmountable. It is especially important to note that such requirements contradict the basic purpose of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which is to facilitate voting, not to obstruct it.

“In a strong dissent, Justice Sotomayor wrote,’ [The majority] entirely ignores the history of voter suppression against which the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) was enacted and upholds a program that appears to further the very disenfranchisement of minority and low-income voters that Congress set out to eradicate.’

“It is important to note, however, that while the court ruled Ohio’s voter purge law did not violate the NVRA, it also implicitly held that existing federal law continued in force despite Ohio’s voter purge efforts.

“NCJW vows to continue our efforts to ensure that every eligible American is registered and able to vote despite this decision.”