Allen v. State Board of Elections extends the Voting Rights Act to redistricting

The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in Allen v. State Board of Elections that Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 covered redistricting and other election procedures, not just ballot access. Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote that the right to vote can be diluted by submerging minority voters in larger white electorates, making preclearance requirements apply to any change affecting the effectiveness of the vote. Mississippi and Virginia had changed at-large election rules and appointment systems without seeking federal approval, triggering the case.