The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark legislation aimed at securing voting rights for racial minorities, particularly African Americans, during the Civil Rights Movement, yet federal protections have significantly weakened over the past decade.

While states like Colorado have strong pro-voter policies, advocates recognize the challenges in passing comprehensive voting rights acts, particularly in Southern states where such initiatives face significant resistance.

Federal courts, especially the U.S. Supreme Court, have undermined the Voting Rights Act's protections, notably through the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling, which eliminated federal oversight of voting law changes in historically discriminatory states.

Despite efforts in Democratic-majority states, such as Michigan's Voting Rights Act, similar legislation has encountered significant hurdles, including political opposition and legal challenges.

In response to the erosion of federal protections, several states, including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey, are proposing their own voting rights legislation to safeguard non-white voters.

In Colorado, state senator Julie Gonzales is championing a comprehensive Voting Rights Act aimed at addressing racial disparities in voter participation, highlighting the urgency for legislative action.

Current federal courts have established a high threshold for proving discriminatory intent in voting laws, complicating the landscape for protections aimed at racial minorities.

The conservative majority in the Supreme Court has made it increasingly challenging for voting rights advocates to contest discriminatory laws, raising serious concerns about the future of voter protections.

Currently, the Supreme Court is reviewing a case regarding Louisiana's congressional map that could further impact the enforcement of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects against racially discriminatory voting practices.

In Maryland, a new voting rights act sponsored by state Sen. Charles Sydnor III seeks to ensure fair representation for racial minorities in local districts and allows legal action against localities that dilute minority voting power.

The Maryland bill has faced no Republican support and has undergone multiple revisions to navigate legislative challenges.

As the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday is commemorated, there is a growing call for federal voting rights legislation, although these efforts remain stalled in Congress due to political divisions.