Additionally, it allows for Election Day registration, which enables voters to register on Election Day at the polls. Before, Black people were discouraged from voting by poll taxes, literacy exams, and other procedures.
The Voting Rights Act also created the preclearance requirement that required certain jurisdictions to get federal approval before changing their voting laws and practices. It was designed to prevent jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination from disenfranchising their citizens.
Voter Registration
The Voting Rights Act requires states to offer voter registration opportunities to all eligible citizens. It includes registration through driver’s license offices, disability centers, schools, libraries, and mail-in registration. It also enables Election Day registration, allowing voters to register on Election Day at the polls.
This law helps close the voter registration gap, especially among young people. In addition, it protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
Many NVRA provisions also protect minority communities from vote dilution. For example, it prohibits states, counties, cities, school districts, and other governmental units from drawing election districts in ways that dilute the voting power of minorities.
In addition, it requires state governments to provide a uniform voter registration opportunity at any government office that provides public assistance or state-funded programs that primarily serve people with disabilities. It includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other federal programs, recruitment offices for the U.S. armed forces, and state-funded programs that primarily serve people in need of services.
In addition to these NVRA requirements, state governments may use discretion when providing voter registration opportunities to individuals under 18. Some states do not specify a period for registration and allow youth to register when they turn 18 by the next general election. Others allow for pre-registration, which usually entails that kids will be automatically registered when they reach the age of 18.
Voting Procedures
The Voting Rights Act forbids states and localities from discriminating against voters based on their race. It also requires state election officials to ensure that polling places and voting systems are accessible for people with disabilities, such as blindness, deafness, or mobility limitations.
The Act’s provisions also address voter registration, early voting, and polling place locations. For example, it bars states from requiring that people show proof of citizenship when they register to vote. Additionally, it forbids states from enforcing any voting requirements, prerequisites, standards, or practices that would restrict or revoke the right to vote on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin or membership in a language minority group, such as that of American Indians, Asian Americans, Alaskan Natives, or Spanish-speakers.
While the Voting Rights Act has been on the books for over half a century, it has faced attacks by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. In 2013 the court struck down a crucial part of the law, which required certain areas with histories of discrimination to “preclear” changes to their voting laws and practices before they were enacted.
Several states with a history of voting discrimination began enacting new restrictions, including photo identification requirements and cuts to early voting, that disenfranchise voters from minority groups, the elderly, the poor, people with disabilities, and others. These changes make it harder for racial minorities and other Democratic-leaning communities to exercise their right to vote in elections.
Voting Materials
Voting materials include documents like voter registration forms, ballots, and Federal write-in absentee ballots (FWAB). They are essential tools for helping voters make informed decisions.
Translating these materials into other languages is an essential part of safeguarding the rights of eligible voters. It is a requirement under the federal Voting Rights Act and the state Elections Code.
Under the law, counties must provide voting services and information in another language when the population of eligible voters who speak that language reaches a specific size. For example, if the people eligible voters say Spanish heritage comes to 10%, counties must offer services and information in Spanish.
For example, if you are an Asian American and live in Pennsylvania, you can find translated voter registration forms on the state’s website.
You can also request translations for other election materials. It can help you become more educated about the issues in your community and feel confident voting.
Under the Voting Rights Act, it is illegal for a state or local jurisdiction to impose a voting qualification, a prerequisite for registration or voting, or any other standard, practice, or procedure based on race, color, or membership in a language minority group that results in a denial of your right to vote. If you are a member of an eligible language minority group, you can file a lawsuit against a jurisdiction that has violated this section in a federal district court.
Voting Locations
The Voting Rights Act prohibits state and local governments from denying a person the right to vote because of their race, national origin, or language. In addition, the Act protects people who are homeless, people with disabilities, and people with criminal records.
The law requires public entities to make all polling locations accessible and free from intimidation, harassment, or violence. It includes ensuring that voting booths are located in an easily accessible site, that poll workers are well-trained, and that facilities are designed to be safe for voters with disabilities and other special needs.
For example, if someone has a disability that prevents them from standing for long periods, election officials should provide them with a chair or other comfortable way to wait for their turn to vote. They may also have a voter assistance staffer to help them complete their ballots.
Observers are allowed to observe in or near voting locations. Still, they should not harass or engage in any other intimidating conduct that could impede the free and fair administration of elections. Exceptions are made for the presence of law enforcement officers within the 75-foot limit if the officer is in uniform and on duty or if there is an immediate need to preserve safety or respond to an emergency.