What effect did the Voting Rights Act have?

The Voting Rights Act prohibited the states from using literacy tests and other methods of excluding African Americans from voting. Prior to this, only an estimated twenty-three percent of voting-age blacks were registered nationally, but by 1969 the number had jumped to sixty-one percent.

How did the Voting Rights Act promote civil rights?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the most comprehensive civil rights legislation ever enacted by Congress. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 removed barriers to black enfranchisement in the South, banning poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures that effectively prevented African Americans from voting.

Why get involved in electoral politics?

Exercising that power by participating in electoral politics can be thrilling — not to mention a great way to make lasting friends, and feel stronger in solidarity in the fights to come. And there are lots of reasons for groups to get involved in electoral politics:

Why is electoral participation so important to the Progressive Movement?

When we get out in front on important policy issues, and fight for our values through electoral participation, we can win a coveted place at the agenda-setting table. Flexing our movement’s electoral muscle sets the stage for progressive candidates and electeds to serve with political courage.

How is the US president elected?

The president, however, would be elected not by direct vote, but rather by the Electoral College. The Electoral College assigns a number of representative votes per state, typically based on the state’s population.

Are there Progressives in every congressional district?

You’ve all proven that there are progressives in every Congressional district in the country. Engaging in electoral politics is a way to build local power and grow capacity so that our movement endures beyond this moment of resistance. Getting involved in elections reminds us that we’re not alone in this fight.