Purpose Of The Voting Rights Act Of 1965

Did you know that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 66% of U.S. citizens voted in the 2020 presidential election? This may seem like another meaningless statistic until you also learn that according to PBS news hour polls, “70% of Americans said they want federal government officials to achieve compromise and find solutions.” Considering how essential public opinion is to government elections and how we progress as a society, this is extremely surprising. Conflict in society is caused by the opinions of the public, so you would assume more people would voice their opinion by casting a ballot. Public opinion is required in resolving conflict in society and sparking positive change through compromises that benefit the people. Throughout …show more content…

history. In the 1960s there was an increase in peaceful protests and more citizens voicing their opinion on the unfair and discriminatory voting barriers, despite the ratification of the Reconstruction Amendments being almost 100 years ago. In 1965, three protestors were killed and many more were injured and subject to police brutality. This was shown on TV and seen by citizens across the nation. This changed public opinion and even urged some to send letters to the government with their thoughts. President LBJ and congress addressed these issues and signed the Voting Rights Act. The purpose of the voting rights act was to change the legal barriers that were disenfranchising Black Americans and LBJ made it a priority to persuade everyone even though this was a very radical idea for this time. Not only were these barriers a violation of the 15th Amendment, but they were also downright discriminatory and affecting public opinion negatively. By LBJ creating this compromise, he created a bigger platform for more voters' voices to be heard, and for even more compromises to be made in the future in response to public opinion. In addition, considering this being a radical concept during the period of segregation and racism, the ratification of this amendment helped the country begin to make advances in the civil rights movement. For the President to choose to prioritize this change, the public being heard was crucial to improving civil rights, and fairness of future