This year marks the 60th anniversary of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). The landmark legislation underscored the right to vote in the United States without racial discrimination at the federal, state, or local level as directed by the 15th Amendment. It directly benefited Black people who regularly faced discriminatory barriers including poll taxes and literacy tests.
The VRA was a direct congressional response to the Civil Rights Movement’s Selma-to-Montgomery March. The march was purposed to raise attention and advance change in the civil and voting rights violations occurring throughout the South. It began in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965. Opposition and violence initiated by law enforcement and posses led to the day becoming known as “Bloody Sunday”. Two days later, the march resumed and was quelled again by law enforcement and armed citizens. This is referenced as “Turnaround Tuesday”.
Over 500 people marched for what was available in theory, yet inaccessible in practice. On March 21, the journey began for a third time in Selma. It successfully reached Montgomery, Alabama on March 25. Five months later, the VRA became law with approval from President Lyndon Johnson.
The right to vote without discrimination is permanent. However, there are enforcement-related provisions that have limits and require renewal. In 2007, three time bound provisions were reauthorized for 25 years. In 2024, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act was reintroduced and would amend and restore aspects of the VRA that were weakened by the Supreme Court over the years. One aspect is detailed in the Shelby County v. Holder case.
Alabama’s Shelby County challenged the continued constitutionality of Section 4(b) of the VRA, which included a formula for identifying jurisdictions required to comply with the preclearance requirements of Section 5. The requirements insisted jurisdictions receive approval from the Department of Justice or the United States District Court for D.C. in order to change their voting rules. Although a federal district court and the D.C. Circuit upheld the law, it was later ruled against by a five-member majority of the Supreme Court.
While we are more than a few years away from a 2032 renewal, many question why the provisions can’t be enacted as permanent requirements. NOBEL Women encourages legislators to advocate for and advance voter protection through legislation that firmly solidifies voting rights free of discrimination and retaliation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 laid a remarkable framework. It is time for its fullness to be engraved in stone and made permanent. Anything else is an affront to democracy.