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In Recognition of the 1965 Voting Rights Act

Date: July 29, 2005
Location: Washington DC
Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights


IN RECOGNITION OF THE 1965 VOTING RIGHTS ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 29, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. DANNY K. DAVIS
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2005

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on this 40th anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, we must pause to recognize the importance of this legislation. A century before its passing, the 15th Amendment guaranteed the right for Black men to vote. In 1920, women were also granted that right. Despite these laws, minority men and women were still prevented from voting through discriminatory means common to Jim Crow, antebellum South including poll taxes, literacy tests, gerrymandering and language discrimination. Through the Voting Rights Act, considered one of the foremost pieces of Civil Rights legislation, Congress saw the discrimination and realized the critical need to protect the minority. We must continue to do so.

The most basic and fundamental principles of any democracy are equal opportunity, equal protection under the law and guarantee of the right to participate, to have that right protected and to have that participation count.

Unfortunately in the last two Presidential elections and in an increasing number of elections across the country are being marred with allegations of manipulation, chicanery, trickery, intimidation and outright illegal acts of fraud, thievery, and violence. All of these acts and actions have served to undermine confidence in our electoral system, disrupt the process of normalcy, and are beginning to shake the very foundation of our democracy. We must not waver in our commitment to our citizens and continue to ensure that their vote matters.

The face of America is changing every day. Diversity of race, ethnicity, language and other aspects of the American citizen are evident in our society. The need to protect the rights of the electorate despite these differences is a constant struggle. This 40-year-old legislation stood the test of time. It is our duty to continue to protect the right to vote, one of the most basic rights, for all Americans.

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