An analysis of Census Bureau data on registration and voting by black citizens over the past two decades shows the positive influence of the 1965 Voting Rights Act on electoral participation. After the passage of the act, there was more than a 50% increase in the number of black registered voters. Of black and white citizens participating in the last five presidential elections, southern blacks are the only group to report a net gain in level of participation between 1964 and 1980. There has also been a tenfold increase in the number of blacks elected as officeholders. However, this does not mean that blacks have achieved equal access to elective office. For example, it is difficult for black voters to elect officials from their communities. Data from the Justice Department's Voting Rights Division shows that a pattern of white resistance to blacks exercising their voting rights still remains strong in the South. Impediments, such as vote dilution issues, will remain salient in coming years. In the future, the consequences of the adoption by Congress of either a "result" or an "intent" test in cases brought under section 2 of the act will have an impact on the equal access of minorities to political participation. (RM)

Vols. 4-38, 40-41 include Record of political events, Oct. 1, 1888-Dec. 31, 1925 (issued as a separately paged supplement to no. 3 of v. 31- 38 and to no. 1 of v. 40)