Thursday, August 6, 2015

The Voting Rights Act of 1975: 40 Years Later

Jordan and Ford, signing of
the Voting Rights Act, 
August 6, 1975

On this date in 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. Barbara Jordan was heavily involved that reauthorization process, because one of the core issues surrounding voters at the polls was the discrimination of non-English speaking voters that was happening in Texas.  The story of Jordan's involvement is complicated but fascinating, and Jordan always cited the passage of this Act as one of her career highlights.  Learn more about the Act at the links below: