---
title: "Voting Rights Act of 1965 — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting and ensures federal oversight of elections, crucial for protecting voter rights."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/voting-rights-act-of-1965"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a U.
- S.
- What is the difference between Section 2 and Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act?
- How did Shelby County v. Holder (2013) affect the Act?
- What constitutional provisions underpin the Voting Rights Act?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a U.S. federal statute that prohibits racial discrimination in voting and authorized federal oversight of elections in covered jurisdictions.

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In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder invalidated the Section 4(b) coverage formula, freeing states like Texas and North Carolina to enact new voter-ID and redistricting laws without federal preclearance.

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