The Voting Rights Act, also known as the VRA, was enacted by Congress in 1965. Pursuant to the VRA, the Attorney General undertakes investigations and litigation throughout the United States and its territories. The VRA has been amended on a number of occasions, with the most recent major amendments in the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006. The VRA is codified at 52 U.S.C. 10301-10314, 10501-10508, and 10701-10702 (formerly 42 U.S.C. 1973 to 1973bb).
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
The Voting Rights Act, also known as the VRA, was enacted by Congress in 1965. Pursuant to the VRA, the Attorney General undertakes investigations and litigation throughout the United States and its territories. The VRA has been amended on a number of occasions, with the most recent major amendments in the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006. The VRA is codified at 52 U.S.C. 10301-10314, 10501-10508, and 10701-10702 (formerly 42 U.S.C. 1973 to 1973bb).
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Voting Rights Act Of 1965 (vra). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/voting-rights-act-of-1965-vra
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.