U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

2004 NEWS RELEASES, PRESS ADVISORIES AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS COMMEMORATES VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965

Washington, DC - The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights asks all Americans to reflect upon the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, one of the most effective civil rights laws ever enacted. "The impact of this landmark legislation is powerfully resonant during this election year. This anniversary is a stark reminder of the lives lost, the blood shed and the sacrifices made to ensure the right to vote for all citizens," stated Commission Chairperson Mary Frances Berry.

The 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed into law thirty-nine years ago by President Lyndon B. Johnson, proved to be one of the most successful pieces of civil rights legislation ever adopted by Congress. The use of poll taxes in national elections had been abolished by the 24th amendment to the Constitution in 1964; the Voting Rights Act directed the Attorney General to challenge the use of poll taxes in state and local elections.

The Voting Rights Act had sweeping consequences. By the end of 1966, only four of the traditional 13 Southern states had less than 50 percent of African Americans registered to vote. By 1968, Mississippi alone had 59 percent of African Americans registered to vote.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observed that while demonstrations served a good purpose, true change would come only through affecting the Federal government to take action. The Voting Rights Act embodies this sentiment.

"Millions of Americans remain disenfranchised through institutional barriers prohibiting many from having full participation in the American dream," Dr. Berry added. "The most meaningful way to honor the Voting Rights Act is for state and federal governments to uphold the mandate of the Act in both spirit and action. We must all be guardians in ensuring that every vote counts and that our election process is free of any impediment that could silence even one voice."

Contact: Laura Hart 202/833-9771

08/05/04