Voting Rights Act Fast Facts

August 8, 2025

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to protect and enforce the 14th and 15th Amendments in response to voter suppression by various government entities. Originally applying to seven states and subdivisions in four others, the Act prohibits denying voting rights based on race and previously required certain jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance for voting changes. A significant 2013 Supreme Court decision ruled Section 4's preclearance formula unconstitutional, effectively neutralizing Section 5's enforcement mechanism.

Who is affected

Minority voters, including African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Alaskan Natives, and people of Spanish heritage
Voters with "limited English proficiency"
Residents in previously covered jurisdictions (Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, and subdivisions in Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, and North Carolina)
Voters in states affected by recent court rulings, including Alabama, Texas, and states in the 5th and 8th Circuit Court jurisdictions

What action is being taken

The Justice Department continues to enforce remaining provisions of the Voting Rights Act
Courts are actively interpreting and ruling on the scope and application of the Voting Rights Act
The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals is narrowing the scope of the Voting Rights Act for redistricting cases in parts of the South
The 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals is restricting private individuals from bringing Voting Rights Act lawsuits in several Midwestern states

Why it matters

The Voting Rights Act serves as a key protection for minority voting rights in the United States
Recent court decisions have both limited and upheld different aspects of the law, creating an evolving legal landscape
Without the preclearance requirements struck down in 2013, jurisdictions with histories of discrimination can implement voting changes without federal review
The ability to challenge discriminatory voting laws varies by jurisdiction, with some areas now limiting who can bring such challenges
The law remains central to ongoing debates about voting access, racial discrimination, and electoral fairness

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint