You?ve Got Mail : Voting Rights Myth Over the Internet
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I?m sure many of you have been bombarded with email about African Americans losing the right to vote in 2007. The purpose of this article is to put that very misleading rumor in a proper context for discussion and advocacy, and focus people?s attention on the specifics of what really must be defended in 2007 to expand African American political empowerment. But first we must separate truth from fiction and reveal the actual meaning of the Voting Rights Act. After reading this article please circulate it throughout cyberspace; the same fashion that the rumor was so vehemently delivered. Once we have complete understanding of this very important issue we can move the discussion to other very practical matters concerning African Americans and voting: redistricting and the census, majority-minority districts, increasing African American registration and voter turnout, voter education, alternative election systems, and felony voting rights.

Will African Americans lose their right to vote in 2007?
NO! The Voting Rights Act of 1965 along with its amendments and extensions ensures fair voting practices for all eligible citizens. Literacy tests, educational achievement and/or knowledge, constitutional interpretation tests, etc. cannot be used to determine someone?s right to vote. Numerous methods were used prior to 1965 to deny African Americans the right to vote. This Act places the US government as "watchdog" over states and localities to protect voting rights of citizens. No one can be denied the right to vote because of race or ethnicity.

What are Sections 2 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act?
Section 2 basically states that no one can be denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This is a constitutional principle not limited to any time ?frame and enforceable nationwide. Section 5 contains the temporary provision which is probably at the heart of the rumor. Section 5 applies to Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and parts of Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, and North Carolina. These areas [called covered jurisdictions] must submit any voting changes to the US Attorney General [the Department of Justice.] These changes can include but are not limited to: changes in the location of a polling place, changing an elected position to an appointive one, changing the existing voting system, etc. The Department of Justice determines if the change dilutes or weakens the voting strength of minority voters. If so, the Department of Justice can refuse to "preclear" the change.

Why does Section 5 require extensions?
Section 5 is a temporary provision. Certain temporary provisions were placed in the Act as a political compromise to ensure the Act would pass Congress. In 1982, the Act was amended and Section 5 was extended through 2007. By this date Congress must decide what to do about Section 5.

If Congress eliminates Section 5 does that mean African Americans will lose the right to vote?
NO. If Section 5 is not extended that means covered jurisdictions will not have to submit voting changes to the Department of Justice. However, they cannot violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as well as the Constitution and relevant Amendments.

If Section 5 is eliminated can some areas use tactical measures to weaken the voting strength of minorities?
YES! But that has been an ongoing issue since the act was passed over 30 years ago. Rather than literacy tests and poll taxes, some areas challenge majority-black districts, change elected positions to appointive ones, transform district elections to at-large elections, etc. These measures have proven to weaken the voting strength of minorities and are the main cause for litigation. Remember, Section 5 mostly applies to southern states. There are many other states not under Section 5 mandates. If Section 5 is not extended it can become a serious issue for African Americans in the struggle for fair voting rights, but it will not result in the loss of voting rights.

Below you will find a speech that Bill Cosby's wife gave at afunction.


Everyone please read this and pass it on to as many AfricanAmericansyou come in contact with.


Camille Cosby just made a reference about the Voting Rights Act in her most recent open letter on racism. This is extremelyimportant.


We are quickly approaching the 21st Century and we were wondering,and when I say 'we', I mean others of us out there who wonderifeveryoneelse out there knows what the significance of the year 2007 is to BlackAmerica?

Did you know that our right to VOTE will expire in theyear2007? Seriously! The Voters Rights Act signed in 1965by Lyndon B. Johnson was just an ACT. It was not made a law.

In 1982, Ronald Reagan amended the Voters Rights Act for another 25years. Which means that in the year 2007 we could lose the Right to vote!



Does anyone realize that African Americans are the only group ofpeoplewho require PERMISSION under the United States Constitution tovote! Inthe year 2007, Congress will once again convene to decidewhether ornot Blacks should retainthe rightsto vote(crazy but true).>>

In order for this to be passed, 38 states will have to approveanextension. This is ludicrous! Not only should the extensionbeapproved, but also the ACT must be made a law. Our right to vote

should no longer be up for discussion, review and/orevaluation.


We must contact our Congress-persons, Senators, Alderpersons,etc., toput a stop to this! As bona fide Citizens of the United States,wecannot "drop the ball" on this one! We have come too far toletgovernment make us take such a huge step backward. So please,let uspush forward to continue to build the momentum towardsgainingequality.

Please pass this onto others, as we are sure that many more individualsare not aware of this. I urge all of you that are able, tocontactthose in government that have your vote and make them aware of ourcombinedconcern for this issue.


One voice!..... One Vote! You cannot complain, if you do notparticipate.....local, State, & national.....

When I received this one I had no choice but to pass iton.

Please do the same

What are Sections 2 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act?
Section 2 basically states that no one can be denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This is a constitutional principle not limited to any time ?frame and enforceable nationwide. Section 5 contains the temporary provision which is probably at the heart of the rumor. Section 5 applies to Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and parts of Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, and North Carolina. These areas [called covered jurisdictions] must submit any voting changes to the US Attorney General [the Department of Justice.] These changes can include but are not limited to: changes in the location of a polling place, changing an elected position to an appointive one, changing the existing voting system, etc. The Department of Justice determines if the change dilutes or weakens the voting strength of minority voters. If so, the Department of Justice can refuse to "preclear" the change.

Why does Section 5 require extensions?
Section 5 is a temporary provision. Certain temporary provisions were placed in the Act as a political compromise to ensure the Act would pass Congress. In 1982, the Act was amended and Section 5 was extended through 2007. By this date Congress must decide what to do about Section 5.

If Congress eliminates Section 5 does that mean African Americans will lose the right to vote?
NO. If Section 5 is not extended that means covered jurisdictions will not have to submit voting changes to the Department of Justice. However, they cannot violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as well as the Constitution and relevant Amendments.

If Section 5 is eliminated can some areas use tactical measures to weaken the voting strength of minorities?
YES! But that has been an ongoing issue since the act was passed over 30 years ago. Rather than literacy tests and poll taxes, some areas challenge majority-black districts, change elected positions to appointive ones, transform district elections to at-large elections, etc. These measures have proven to weaken the voting strength of minorities and are the main cause for litigation. Remember, Section 5 mostly applies to southern states. There are many other states not under Section 5 mandates. If Section 5 is not extended it can become a serious issue for African Americans in the struggle for fair voting rights, but it will not result in the loss of voting rights.

What can be done to keep Section 5 active and alive?
Know your representative and his/her stance on voting rights issues. Feel free to call, write, email, etc. your representatives in Congress and stress your concerns over extensions to the Voting Rights Act. Stay abreast of voting rights issues in your community. The battle over redistricting will begin soon after the 2000 Census. Get involved! If you feel that a change in voting practices or procedures in your community will weaken the voting strength of minorities contact The Department of Justice, voting rights organizations, civil rights groups, and attorneys to discuss the issues. Many of these organizations are nonprofit and provide free litigation services.