An Assessment of the Relevance of the Voting Rights Act and its Effectiveness in Preventing Further Minority Disenfranchisement
In light of the election of the United States of America first African American president, much controversy has arisen surrounding the validity and relevance of the renewal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In particular, much of the speculation has been centered on section five, which requires that states undergo a “pre-clearance” before adopting or changing voting procedures. States see this process as not only a burden, but costly and unfair, arguing that Obama’s election is indicative of America’s “post-racial” era. Through a qualitative analysis of the voting progress of Georgia and Alabama (states fully covered under section five) and Florida (only partially covered under section five) of the Voting Right Act, I refute “post racial” arguments and quantitative findings that suggest the irrelevancy of the act. My findings suggest not only the importance of the act, but also the necessities of its revision of so that the section is able to better access states and counties that should and should not be covered. The VRA has been a critical tool in ensuring that all Americans not only have the right to vote, but the right to have their vote counted. Voters should be able to cast a free and unfettered vote regardless of his or her race or ethnic background.