President signs Voting Legislation
US Herald I August 7, 1965
President Johnson strikes another blow against discrimination
The 15th Amendment was passed almost 95 years ago, but many states refuse to uphold the 15th. That will soon change now that President Johnson has signed the Voting Rights Act. This newest piece of legislation will protect African Americans and other people of color when they try to vote. Many African Americans are turned away from the voting poles by force, or they are told that they cannot vote because they are not literate enough, or they got the time, or the place, or the date wrong. In wake of the violence on March 7th in Selma, Alabama, Congress called a joint session on March 15th to outline a plan do enforce the 15th Amendment and prevent voter discrimination.
The President shakes hands with civil rights leaders and Rosa Parks at the signing of the legislation.
Young African American men protesting for their right to vote
Dr. King smiles at the camera after shaking hands with President Johnson
The Voting Rights Act
The bill passed in Congress in a 77-19 vote on May 26th, and on July 9th the House passed the bill in a 333-85 vote. Yesterday, the President signed the legislation into effect, much to the celebration of Americans across the nation. Voting discrimination, literacy tests, and lower level government imposed voting restrictions are now banned under the new bill. This is another huge step forward for freedom, but the fight for equality isn't over yet. Experts say that they expect this controversial new piece of legislation to be challenged in the courtroom before long.