The Voting Rights Act of 1965 : Background and Overview

Author / Creator

Library of Congress. Government Division

Available as

Online

Summary

Provides background on historical circumstances that led to the adoption of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, which removed race-based restrictions on voting. Summarizes major VRA provisions, an...

Provides background on historical circumstances that led to the adoption of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, which removed race-based restrictions on voting. Summarizes major VRA provisions, and discusses Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder , in which Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional the Congressional 2006 reauthorization of VRA Section 4, which included a coverage formula that was based on voting practices and patterns in 1964, 1968, or 1972. Covers H.R. 3899 and S. 1945, both to amend VRA by adding a new coverage formula, among other provisions.

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