The Voting Rights Act is one of the most important civil rights laws in American history. When it was signed into law on August 6, 1965, it gave millions of Americans—especially Black citizens—the legal power to vote freely and equally. Now, 60 years later, people are asking an important question: has the promise of the Voting Rights Act been fulfilled, and will it last for future generations?
This article looks at the history, achievements, and current challenges facing the Voting Rights Act as it turns 60. As we reflect on the past, it’s also time to look forward and ask whether the rights it secured will endure.
The Fight Before the Voting Rights Act
Before the Voting Rights Act of 1965, voting in America was not truly equal. Even though the 15th Amendment (ratified in 1870) gave Black men the right to vote, many states—especially in the South—created laws and practices to stop them from voting.
These unfair practices included:
- Poll taxes – forcing people to pay money to vote
- Literacy tests – making people prove they could read and write, often in unfair ways
- Grandfather clauses – letting white citizens vote even if they failed the test, but not Black citizens
- Voter intimidation and violence – scaring Black people away from voting booths
These tactics worked. In some areas of the South, less than 10% of eligible Black voters were registered.
The March That Changed History
One of the key moments that led to the Voting Rights Act was the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. On March 7, 1965, now known as “Bloody Sunday,” peaceful protesters were beaten by police as they tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The horrifying images of the violence shocked the nation.
Just over a week later, President Lyndon B. Johnson addressed Congress and urged them to pass a strong voting rights law. On August 6, 1965, he signed the Voting Rights Act into law.
What the Voting Rights Act Did
The Voting Rights Act had a powerful and immediate impact. It:
- Banned literacy tests and other discriminatory voting practices
- Gave the federal government power to oversee elections in areas with a history of discrimination
- Allowed the U.S. Attorney General to investigate and stop voting rights violations
Most importantly, it gave real power to Black Americans—the power to vote, run for office, and shape policy.
By 1969, just four years after the law passed, Black voter registration in the South had doubled. Thousands of Black Americans were elected to local, state, and national offices in the decades that followed.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Voting is the foundation stone for political action.”
Key Achievements in 60 Years
The Voting Rights Act helped to:
- Elect more diverse leaders in city councils, school boards, and Congress
- Reduce racial gerrymandering in many states
- Protect voters with disabilities and language barriers
- Strengthen American democracy by increasing participation
The law was updated several times, with Congress renewing and expanding it in 1970, 1975, 1982, 1992, and 2006—each time with strong bipartisan support.
Cracks in the Foundation: Shelby County v. Holder (2013)
In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision that changed everything.
In Shelby County v. Holder, the Court struck down a key part of the Voting Rights Act—the formula used to decide which states needed federal approval (preclearance) before changing their voting laws.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said the law was based on “outdated data” and was no longer necessary.
But civil rights leaders warned that this would open the door for voter suppression—and they were right.
The Rise of New Voting Restrictions
After the Shelby decision, many states quickly passed new laws that made voting harder, especially for people of color, the elderly, students, and low-income citizens. These laws included:
- Strict voter ID laws
- Reduced early voting days
- Closed polling places in minority neighborhoods
- Limited mail-in voting access
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, more than 30 states have passed voting restrictions since 2013. Critics say these laws are modern versions of the old Jim Crow practices—just in new forms.
Will the Promise of the Voting Rights Act Endure?
Sixty years later, the promise of the Voting Rights Act is at a crossroads.
On one hand, the Act transformed American democracy by giving millions of people access to the ballot. On the other hand, recent court decisions and new laws have chipped away at those protections.
Here are some of the biggest questions facing the future of voting rights in America:
1. Will Congress Restore the Act?
There have been efforts to pass new legislation, like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, which aim to restore the preclearance rule and make voting easier for all Americans. So far, these bills have not passed in the Senate.
2. How Will the Courts Shape Voting Laws?
Federal courts continue to hear cases about gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and more. The outcome of these cases could either protect or weaken voting rights further.
3. What Can Citizens Do?
History shows that citizen action drives change. Protests, voter registration drives, and grassroots campaigns have always played a key role in defending democracy.
Stories of Impact: What Voting Rights Mean to Real People
Here are some short stories that show the human side of voting rights:
Gloria, a 75-year-old woman in Georgia, said she cried the first time she voted in 1966. “It made me feel like I finally counted,” she said.
Carlos, a first-generation Latino voter in Texas, helped translate ballots for his parents who couldn’t speak English well.
Jayden, a college student in Wisconsin, said new voter ID rules almost stopped him from voting—but a student-led campaign helped him and hundreds of others cast their votes.
These stories remind us that voting is not just a legal right—it’s a deeply personal and powerful act.
Why Voting Rights Still Matter Today
In today’s political climate, voting rights are more important than ever. Here’s why:
- They protect democracy – Voting ensures that leaders are chosen by the people, not just the powerful
- They give voice to the voiceless – Every vote represents someone’s dreams, struggles, and future
- They fight inequality – When everyone can vote, laws and policies better reflect the needs of all communities
As President Barack Obama said, “There’s no more powerful tool for change than the vote.”
What Can You Do to Protect Voting Rights?
Whether you’re young or old, new to voting or a longtime voter, you have a role to play. Here’s how:
- Register to vote and help others do the same
- Volunteer as a poll worker or join a voter outreach group
- Call your representatives and support laws that expand access to voting
- Educate yourself about how voting rights are being affected in your state
Conclusion: The Fight Is Not Over
The Voting Rights Act gave Americans the power to shape their own future. At 60 years old, its legacy still lives on—but it’s facing serious challenges.
If we want its promise to endure, we must stay informed, stay active, and stay united.
The struggle for fair and equal voting rights didn’t end in 1965. It’s happening now. And the next chapter will be written by us—by how we act, vote, and speak up today.
As civil rights icon John Lewis once said, “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society.”
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