The Right To Vote

TimeWatch Editorial
November 09, 2016

According to Newsweek Magazine, Jamal Hagler is the research assistant for the Center for American Progress ’s Progress 2050  project, which examines the impact of policies on the nation when there will be no clear racial or ethnic majority by the year 2050. He was the author of an article in Newsweek on August 8, 2015 entitled, “Fifty Years On, LBJ’s Voting Rights Act Is Under Attack.” His opening paragraph describes the historic significance of the fundamentals of a democratic form of government.

“The right to vote is one of the hallmarks of American democracy, as well as one of the most sacred rights granted to U.S. citizens. The power of the ballot box is one of great importance, allowing citizens to choose their leaders and preventing those leaders from forgetting the people that they represent.” Jamal Hagler, “Fifty Years On, LBJ’s Voting Rights Act Is Under Attack” Newsweek, August 8, 2015

It should never be forgotten however, that arriving at a consensus regarding the inclusion of all citizens has not been an easy task. In fact, to this day the battle continues. The varied ethnic groups have always provided a challenge to those who consider themselves superior. Their desire to control the secular and religious environment has always led to a subtle attempt to manipulate the political and societal results. Jamal Hagler continues:

“August 6 marked 50 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed theVoting Rights Act of 1965 , or VRA, into law. This bipartisan legislation was meant to protect people of color, particularly African Americans, from a long history of discrimination and violence around voting in elections. While the use of poll taxes and literacy tests are long gone in various states, the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Shelby County v. Holder decision has made voting more difficult. As we honor one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in U.S. history, we must all remain aware that the voting rights of Americans throughout the country are not as secure as they once were.” Jamal Hagler , “Fifty Years On, LBJ’s Voting Rights Act Is Under Attack” Newsweek, August 8, 2015

Perhaps it would be useful to quote a portion of that Voter Rights Act as was presented to Congress in 1965

Now of course what we have quoted above is just a part of the act, but as you can clearly see, it is extremely specific regarding the restrictions imposed upon those who would attempt to deny any citizen the right to vote on account of race or color. In his article, James Hagler continues to describe the struggle.

“Prior to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution’s 15th and 19th amendments, voting was, for the most part, restricted to only white male citizens of voting age. While these constitutional amendments ensured that all eligible citizens had the right to vote, the rules and laws surrounding voter registration and casting ballots were left to each state to decide.” Jamal Hagler , “Fifty Years On, LBJ’s Voting Rights Act Is Under Attack” Newsweek, August 8, 2015

The CRS Report for Congress entitled, “The Voting Rights Act of 1965, As Amended: Its History and Current Issues” states that “Prior to the Civil War, the franchise was denied to nearly everyone except white male property owners who were over 21 years of age. After the War, the 38th Congress proposed the 13th Amendment to the state legislatures and it became a part of the Constitution in December 1865. The 15th Amendment protects the right of male suffrage without regard to “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” and empowers Congress to enforce this article. In March 1870, the 15th Amendment became a part of the Constitution. The CRS Report for Congress details six provisions of the Voter Rights Act.

Major provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965:

1. Prohibit the enactment of any election law to deny or abridge voting rights on account of race or color;
2. Suspend all literacy tests in states and counties that used them and where less than 50% of adults had voted in 1964;
3. Prohibit the enforcement of new voting rules or practices until federal reviewers determine if their use would continue voting discrimination;
4. Assign federal examiners to list qualified applicants to vote and to serve as poll watchers;
5. Authorize the Attorney General to institute civil actions to seek enforcement of the act; and
6. Prohibits any person acting under color of law or otherwise from intimidating or denying any eligible person from voting.

The CRS Report for Congress, “The Voting Rights Act of 1965, As Amended: Its History and Current Issues”

As we go to publication with this Editorial, it is clear that we are about to enter into a new era in this nation. regardless of the results of this election, the objective of the competing factions has become even clearer during the run up to the 2016 vote. Jamal Hagler puts it best in his article.

“Throughout the nation, state legislatures have made efforts to pass laws that have the potential to significantly reduce eligible voters’ ability to cast ballots at the polls. Reducing early voting, ending same-day registration and implementing voter ID  requirements are a few examples of attempts to make voting more difficult. While these new tactics do not explicitly restrict voting rights for anyone based on their race or ethnicity, studies  have shown that these laws and rules present significant obstacles to people of color, the elderly and low-income individuals as they attempt to exercise their right to vote. Implemented under the guise of reducing voter fraud —which is nearly non-existent —these new laws reduce voter registration and turnout.” Jamal Hagler, “Fifty Years On, LBJ’s Voting Rights Act Is Under Attack” Newsweek, August 8, 2015

We shall indeed see where this will lead in a very short time.

Cameron A. Bowen