Voting Rights Then and Now

On August 6, 2015, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, landmark federal legislation enacted to prevent racial discrimination in voting. There have been recent developments, however, that threaten voting rights. This lesson provides an opportunity for high school students to explore the difference between the right to vote and the ability to vote, learn more about the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and reflect on some of the current day threats to voting rights and what can be done about it.