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Virginians react to Supreme Court Voting Rights decision

Posted at 6:52 PM, Jun 25, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-25 19:46:14-04

RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) -- It didn't take long for Virginians to react to the decision of the US Supreme Court to strike down a key component of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

"Obviously I feel quite disappointed," L.J. McCoy, President of the Chesterfield NAACP, said.

"If Justice Roberts had the opportunity to walk with me through Hillside Court he'd have a better understanding of why pre-clearance is needed," McCoy added.

Since 1965, any change in voting or election procedure in Virginia had to be approved by the United States Justice Department.

However that is no longer the case. Tuesday the Supreme Court said the formula for deciding which states require federal approval is outdated and unconstitutional.