John Roberts’ unwavering, limited view of voting access seen in Wisconsin ruling

Washington CNN — The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision refusing to extend a deadline for absentee ballots in Tuesday’s Wisconsin elections reflects Chief Justice John Roberts’ cramped view of voting rights in America, a long-held position that has often favored Republican interests. The pattern, joined by Roberts’ fellow conservatives, was epitomized by a 2013 decision that restricted a crucial part of the Voting Rights Act and has allowed states to eliminate polling places, limit voting times and adopt other practices that make it harder for people, especially racial minorities, the poor and elderly, to cast ballots. As chief justice, one of his defining opinions has been 2013’s Shelby County v. Holder, which eviscerated a provision of the Voting Rights Act requiring states with a history of racial bias to clear any new electoral requirements with the US Department of Justice or a federal court. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s only Latino, wrote, “Our democracy rests on the ability of all individuals, regardless of race, income, or status, to exercise their right to vote.” Video Ad Feedback Americans battle to cope with life's challenges amid virus 03:27 - Source: CNN Conservative allies During his 15-year tenure as chief justice, Roberts has always had four fellow conservatives for his voting-rights views.