WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. Today is the 45th anniversary of that signing. Because of this legislation, the number of Americans with access to the ballot has expanded dramatically and protections are in place to prevent discrimination in voter registration and in exercising the right to vote. With the increased civic engagement made possible by the Voting Rights Act, many Americans of diverse backgrounds have taken active and admirable roles in political campaigns, in their communities, and in government. In recognition of the historic achievement 45 years ago, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:
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"When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, he called it a 'triumph of freedom.' Although the necessity of this law was born out of the dark legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws, the Act opened the door to a brighter future for all Americans by guaranteeing – more clearly than ever before – that American citizens, regardless of race, had the fundamental right to choose their leaders and to make their voices heard in the halls of government.
"In the 45 years since the Voting Rights Act became law, America has become a more equal nation. Through the enforcement of this law and others that protect the rights of Americans and through the striking down of laws that prevented many Americans from fully exercising their rights, we have empowered Americans of all backgrounds to more fully realize the promise of our nation.
"But as a former civil rights lawyer, I know there remains progress to be made. While our country and our government are now more diverse than ever before, we must continue to defend and protect Americans against discrimination. We must continue to vigorously protect the rights of voters to cast their ballots. And we must continue to work toward greater freedom and equality in America.
"On this 45th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, I would like to join with President Obama and individuals across America in celebrating the progress that has been made to guarantee Americans' civil rights, in expressing my gratitude to all those Americans who put their lives on the lines to fight for those rights, and in recommitting to advocating for and defending the voting rights that make possible self governance that is at the heart of American democracy."
SOURCE Democratic National Committee
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