A New York state court judge has struck down the 2022 Voting Rights Act, ruling it unconstitutional due to its racial and ethnic protections, which she deemed violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Justice Maria Vazquez-Doles dismissed a lawsuit by six Black and Hispanic voters from Newburgh, who argued that at-large elections diluted their voting power and sought district-based elections. The judge's decision aligns with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, asserting that race-based governmental actions must demonstrate a compelling state interest, which she found lacking in this case. The plaintiffs' attorney has expressed intent to appeal, maintaining confidence in the law's constitutionality. This ruling follows broader challenges to voting rights legislation, particularly in light of the recent political climate regarding minority representation. The 2022 act aimed to address deficiencies in federal protections and was seen as a significant measure to combat voter suppression in New York.