New York Court of Appeals Affirms NYVRA Protecting the Voting Power of Communities of Color
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2025
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New York Court of Appeals Affirms NYVRA Protecting the Voting Power of Communities of Color
New York, NY – New York’s highest court issued a decisive ruling that preserves the full strength of the New York State John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act (NYVRA). In Clarke v. Town of Newburgh, the Court of Appeals held on November 20, 2025, that the town lacked standing to bring a constitutional challenge to the landmark voting rights law, leaving the NYVRA fully intact and in force.
The case centers on a challenge brought by Black and Latino voters in Newburgh who argue that the town’s at-large election system unlawfully dilutes the voting power of communities of color. The town responded by arguing the landmark law is unconstitutional. The court held that under longstanding legal doctrine, a locality such as the town did not have the legal right to challenge state law. The court further explained that the town had raised overbroad arguments about the constitutionality of the law without sufficient application to the matter at hand, which was about vote dilution due to Newburgh’s at-large voting system.
The ruling safeguards the state’s strongest protections to remedy discriminatory voting practices and allow all voters equal access to the ballot.
“This is a major victory for New Yorkers and for the future of equitable democracy in our state,” said Cesar Ruiz, Associate Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “This decision preserves the integrity of the NYVRA at a moment when voting rights are under coordinated attack nationwide. We will continue to work to ensure every voter can participate fully and fairly in our democracy.”
“Three years following the passage of the NYVRA, localities holding onto antiquated voting practices are learning that the state’s laws provide relief for discrimination in the political process,” said Patrick Stegemoeller, Staff Attorney at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). “AALDEF is thrilled that this important legislation has been vindicated by the courts yet again and will continue using it as a tool to advocate for Asian American voters across the state.”
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About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org
About AALDEF
The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) was founded in 1974 to protect and promote the civil rights of Asian Americans. AALDEF serves diverse Asian communities around the country in solidarity with each other, communities of color, and marginalized groups. Community lawyering is at the heart of AALDEF’s work, which combines litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing to secure human rights for all people. Learn more at www.aaldef.org