Each Friday, we’ll bring you updates on the latest civil liberties news from Maine and the nation.

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On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear an extremely important case, Shelby County v. Holder, that focuses on the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act. Passed in 1965, the act is one of the most effective and enduring pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. The ACLU intervened in the case on behalf of the Alabama NAACP and several African-American residents whose voting rights are directly impacted by the challenge.
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The photo above is our own Shenna Bellows, speaking at a press conference to support an early voting amendment to our state's constitution. The bill, which had a public hearing earlier today, was brought forward by Representative Mike Shaw of Standish. Representative Shaw and his town clerk both testified about the importance of instituting true early voting across the Pine Tree State.
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I love being in Augusta. 

The drive to and from Portland gives me time to think about all the important work we have developing in the coming weeks. When I arrive, I see faces that are becoming more familiar: legislators, members of leadership and fellow lobbyists. In committee rooms, I start to sense the priorities of the folks who have been elected to represent their communities in our state capitol. 
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