Reform Movement Condemns Supreme Court Decision Undermining Voting Rights

April 29, 2026 - In response to the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais, overturning Louisiana’s congressional map, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, released the following statement:

Rabbi Pesner: “We are deeply dismayed by today’s Supreme Court decision weakening voting rights protections. Beginning with the 2013 decision in Shelby v. Holder, the Supreme Court has, piece by piece, undermined the landmark protections established in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today’s decision further dismantles those protections, to the detriment of our democracy overall. In particular, by narrowing how states can use race when drawing electoral maps, today’s ruling undermines the voting rights of people and communities of Color.

Rabbi Hirsch: “As Reform Jews, we believe that every voice must be heard and every vote must be counted. Jewish tradition teaches us that the selection of leaders is not a privilege but a collective responsibility. Rabbi Yitzchak taught that ‘a ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted’ (Babylonian Talmud, B’rachot 55a). By diluting the voting power of communities of Color, including Black women who make up one of the most influential voting blocs in the country, this ruling undermines racial equality and limits the ability of people to have a say in the issues that affect their lives.”

Rabbi Pesner: “Despite this ruling, we will continue to fight for a multi-faith, multi-racial, inclusive democracy that honors the voices of all voters. We know that Jewish safety and the safety of all marginalized people will come through a robust democracy. We urge Congress to pass legislation such as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act. And we call on all members of the Reform Movement to join our 2026 Every Voice, Every Vote campaign to protect and strengthen democracy.”