Read Chapter 5 and the CQ Researcher article on voting rights before responding to this question.

In 2013, the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by ending the requirement that southern states receive preapproval before changing state election laws. This requirement had been in place due to the history of racial discrimination in those states. Since then, many southern states (and others), have proposed changes in their voting laws, and some have argued that updated federal voting rights legislation is needed (See CQ Researcher for a discussion of recent proposals). Is some form of federal voting rights protections still necessary? Why or why not? Are more restrictive measures like Voter ID laws necessary to protect against fraud or do they hinder people’s voting rights? Explain

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Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

✅ Step 1: Carefully Read the Materials

• Review Chapter 5 from your textbook.

• Read the CQ Researcher article on voting rights (focus on sections about the Shelby County v. Holder decision, voter ID laws, and recent proposals for reform).

• Take notes on:

  • Historical background of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

  • Key points from the 2013 Supreme Court decision.

  • Current debates about federal voting rights protections.

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✅ Step 2: Understand the Assignment Prompt

You need to address three main questions:

1. Is some form of federal voting rights protection still necessary? Why or why not?

2. Are restrictive measures like voter ID laws necessary to prevent fraud?

3. Or do they hinder voting rights? Explain your position.

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✅ Step 3: Draft the Structure of Your Response

Your main post should be at least 500 words. Use clear sections:

1. Introduction (1 paragraph)

• Briefly introduce the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

• Mention the 2013 Supreme Court ruling (Shelby County v. Holder).

• End with a thesis statement (your overall argument).
  Example: “While election security is important, federal voting rights protections remain necessary because they safeguard against discriminatory practices, whereas restrictive measures like voter ID laws often do more to hinder voting than to prevent fraud.”

2. Background & Context (1–2 paragraphs)

• Summarize the purpose of the Voting Rights Act.

• Explain what changed after the 2013 decision.

3. The Case for Federal Protections (2–3 paragraphs)

• Argue why federal protections are still needed.

• Reference recent state law changes that may suppress minority voters.

• Mention proposals for updated federal legislation (from CQ Researcher).

4. Voter ID Laws & Restrictive Measures (2–3 paragraphs)

• Present arguments for voter ID laws (fraud prevention, election integrity).

• Present arguments against voter ID laws (disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, limited evidence of fraud).

• Support with research/examples.

5. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

• Restate your thesis.

• Emphasize the balance needed between election security and equal access to voting.

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✅ Step 4: Follow APA Guidelines

• Word count: Minimum 500 words.

• Voice: Academic and objective (avoid first person).

• In-text citations: Cite the textbook and CQ Researcher article. Example:
  (Cleverley & Cleverley, 2018) or (CQ Researcher, 2023).

• References page: Include all sources used.

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✅ Step 5: Resources for Support

• APA citation help: APA Style Citation Guide

• Writing introductions & thesis statements: UNC Writing Center Guide

• Research on voting rights: Brennan Center for Justice

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