Who Gets to Vote? The History and Erosion of Voting Rights

Grade Level: 9-12 

Time: 60 Minutes

Essential Question

How has the 1965 Voting Rights Act eroded in recent years and what can be done about it? 

About This Lesson

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was designed to prohibit racial discrimination in registration and voting nationwide. It was landmark legislation and passed overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives and Senate, and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 6, 1965. It has been seen as extremely successful in overcoming voting discrimination. However, over the years, there has been a chipping away–and some would argue a “gutting”--of the Voting Rights Act because of Supreme Court rulings and voter suppression efforts. In this lesson, students will explore the history of voting rights and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, examine how it has been eroded, and create an original piece of writing that expresses their perspective on voting rights.