What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in voting based on race or color. It was passed in response to the long history of voter suppression and discrimination against voters of color in the United States. The law explicitly bans election practices that require registration and voting tests or other obstacles to registration and voting. It also requires federal approval of any changes to voting processes or procedures that could hamper voting access. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 made it illegal to deny citizens their right to vote based on race, color, or language skills. It also prohibited redistricting, poll taxes, and literacy tests for voting eligibility. In addition, it established federal oversight of elections in states where voting discrimination was found. This meant that states with a history of discrimination had to get approval from the federal government before changing their voting laws. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is widely credited for significant gains in minority voting rights, including increases in voter registration and turnout. It has been the tool of choice for civil rights lawyers in fighting court battles over voting rights. In 2013, the Supreme Court invalidated a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, ruling that the preclearance requirement was out of date. As a result, several states have implemented laws that place restrictions on voting rights.

Related FAQs

What is affirmative action?
What due process rights do individuals have when terminated from their jobs?
What remedies are available for individuals facing discrimination in public accommodations?
What are the civil rights of individuals facing involuntary treatment?
What is the legal definition of sexual harassment?
What legal recourse is available for students who are harassed or discriminated against in schools?
What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
What are the civil rights of individuals facing discrimination based on language or accent?
What are the due process rights of students facing disciplinary action?
Are there civil rights protections for individuals subjected to discrimination based on national origin?

What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts