Forcing states to comply with Section 5 now because of a formula using 1972 data demeans their right to "equal dignity" with states whose election laws are presumptively valid, he said.
Forcing states such as Alabama, Mississippi and Texas to comply with Section 5 today because of a formula using 1972 voter data demeans their right to "equal dignity" with states whose election laws are presumptively valid, Mr. Rein said.