What are the key amendments to the Voting Rights Act?

What are the key amendments to the Voting Rights Act?

The Voting Rights Act has several key amendments, including the 1970 amendment which lowered the voting age to 18, and the 1982 amendment which aimed to protect minority voting rights more robustly.

How did the amendments impact voter registration?

The amendments significantly improved voter registration among minorities by prohibiting discriminatory practices and requiring jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing voting laws.

Are there any recent changes to the Voting Rights Act?

Yes, recent discussions have focused on restoring provisions that were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013, which previously required certain states to seek federal approval for changes to their voting laws.

What challenges do these amendments face today?

Today, challenges include ongoing voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and attempts to limit mail-in voting, which disproportionately affect minority voters.