It’s “wrong” for states to set their own voting standards, according to Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) — and he’s fighting against the recent Supreme Court decision that made it easier for states to change their voting requirements.
Lewis was the featured guest on Tuesday night’s episode of ‘The Colbert Report,’ talking about his new graphic novel on the civil rights movement, as well as the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Section 4(b) of the VRA. Section 4(b) provided the criteria which determines what jurisdictions need federal preclearance before being allowed to change their voting laws. The Court ruled that those criteria were outdated, but Lewis sees it differently.
“You want to reinstate certain parts of the Voting Rights Act,” Colbert said. “Why do we need to do that? Because the Supreme Court said racism is over now. Aren’t you kind of being the racist? No offense.”
“We’re not there yet,” Lewis said. “We’re not living in a post-racial society.”
The Congressman said that it makes him sad that people don’t acknowledge that racism isn’t dead yet. He also argued it’s “wrong” for states to set their own voting requirements.
“Each state gets to set their own [voting] standards,” Colbert said. “I mean, states are setting their own standards now.”
“But it’s so wrong,” the Congressman said. “It’s so wrong.”
Colbert — who claims he doesn’t see race — also said he assumes Lewis is black because he had a desire to frisk him, referencing the ‘stop and frisk’ laws in New York City.
“No, please don’t frisk me,” the slightly startled Congressman said. “You might find something on me.”
Watch the clips below:
