Barbara Cubin: “the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 marked a turning point in our Nation's history. The statute has succeeded…”

“the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 marked a turning point in our Nation's history. The statute has succeeded in combating the voting disenfranchisement that was an ugly stain on our Nation's democratic ideals. While there is no doubt that the Voting Rights Act was necessary when enacted, some of the bill's provisions have turned into a costly financial burden for States affected by the law. The bilingual ballot provisions come at a tremendous social cost as well, contradicting the requirement that immigrants develop English language skills in order to become naturalized as citizens. As our Nation is founded on the influences of a wide range of ideas and cultures, the ability to share and use these ideas is facilitated by a common language--the English language. By encouraging national unity on this front we help to avoid the deep divisions which help keep certain regions of the world in turmoil. Concerns about the Voting Rights Act are not limited to the South, nor are they limited to the preclearance provisions or bilingual ballots. The 1982 reauthorization of the law amended the act to define discrimination in terms of results rather than in terms of intent, raising serious constitutional concerns. Because of the way some courts have interpreted the Voting Rights Act, the law meant to safeguard the democratic process has become a catalyst for costly litigation for uncertain benefit.…”