National Voting Rights Act of 1965

The National Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits voter discrimination.

Prior to 1965, certain ethnic groups met with obstacles upon attempting to exercise their right to vote. The National Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a pivotal tool in forever changing these discriminatory practices.

History

According to the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, until the year 1965, their endeavors to combat the stronghold of state disfranchisement had enjoyed only modest success overall. This was changed by the National Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited the denial of an individual's right to vote.

Features

Congress found that continual discrimination in voting was not being sufficiently dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Individual lawsuits were time-consuming and easily manipulated by those areas of the country that demonstrated organized resistance to the 15th Amendment. This amendment states the right to vote shall not be denied on the basis of race, color or previous condition of servitude.

Considerations

The right to vote is still one of the most important standard privileges in a democracy. In America, any resident who is a legal citizen, is at least 18 years of age and has met the eligibility requirements may register and vote. As of 2010, with the exceptions of Maine and Vermont, persons with felonies are subject to voting restrictions.

References

• United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Introduction To Federal Voting Rights Laws
• United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division:Before the Voting Rights Act
• America.gov Website : Voting For the First Time
• Pro Con Non-profit Organization Website: State Felon Voting Laws