Which statement best describes the purpose of preclearance under the Voting Rights Act?

• A. Covered jurisdictions must obtain federal approval before changing voting practices.
• B. Preclearance is required only for presidential elections.
• C. Preclearance applies to all elections in every state.
• D. Preclearance is optional for jurisdictions with a history of discrimination.

Answer: (A)

Preclearance means that certain jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination must obtain federal approval before making changes to voting practices. The approval, handled by the Department of Justice or a federal court, covers actions like redistricting, changes to polling places, or other election procedures. The aim is to prevent changes that would dilute or disadvantage minority voters. This requirement is not universal, applying only to covered jurisdictions identified by the act’s coverage rules, and it is mandatory for those jurisdictions, not optional. So, describing federal approval before altering voting practices in covered areas best captures what preclearance is for. (Note: the specific coverage formula was later struck down by the Supreme Court, but the concept is central to understanding this provision.)