JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, chairwoman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965:

“Widespread voter suppression efforts throughout the southern states during the 2012 presidential election prove beyond a doubt that the Voting Rights Act is still relevant today. By striking down Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, this conservative court has dealt a devastating blow to the Civil Rights Act of the 60s.  It will set us back for decades to come if Congress does not act immediately. Now is the time for the people to strategize, galvanize and organize to protect everyone’s right to vote.”