Voting

The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965 to provide equal rights in voting for all individuals. The act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race and color. Prior to its passage, discriminatory voting practices were common in many states. The Voting Rights Act is a direct result of racial clashes in the South, particularly the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama where 200 state police attacked the marchers. More information on voting rights and the history of the act can be found on the U.S. Department of Justice Web site at www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting.

Each state has a right to pass laws concerning voter qualifications. Additionally, congressional districts and other voting districts can change and establish new boundaries. However no state may require:

• literary tests
• a poll tax
• English language literacy