From USAFacts · · 1m
Voting Rights Act Definition
The 1965 Voting Rights Act bans racial discrimination in voting and protects ballot access.
In brief
The 1965 Voting Rights Act bans racial discrimination in voting and protects ballot access. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting and helps protect access to the ballot. Originally reported by USAFacts.
Quick answers
- What is the Voting Rights Act?
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting and helps protect access to the ballot.
- When was it signed?
- Congress passed the Voting Rights Act on August 6, 1965, to enforce the 15th Amendment.
- Who enforces it?
- The Department of Justice enforces the Voting Rights Act.
- What does it cover?
- The law sets rules for the whole country and extra rules for covered states and counties.
- How does it work?
- Covered states and counties banned literacy tests and other voter tests, requiring preclearance for rule changes.
What is the Voting Rights Act?
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting and helps protect access to the ballot.
When was it signed?
Congress passed the Voting Rights Act on August 6, 1965, to enforce the 15th Amendment.
Who enforces it?
The Department of Justice enforces the Voting Rights Act.
What does it cover?
The law sets rules for the whole country and extra rules for covered states and counties.
How does it work?
Covered states and counties banned literacy tests and other voter tests, requiring preclearance for rule changes.
What changed in 2026?
In Louisiana v. Callais on April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court narrowed Section 2 in redistricting cases.
The essence
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting and helps protect access to the ballot.
