The formula assumes that discrimination exists in some six States in this Nation. but not in the other States. Its double application would make It necessary for Federal registrars to come into my own State. Virginia. and register an illiterate voter because less than 50 percent voted and we have a literacy test. But in New York State. where a literacy test is also required. the same illiterate voter would not be allowed to register because New Yorks literacy test is not questioned since more than 50 percent of the adult population voted in the last election there. It has been observed that because of the literacy test embodied in the constitution of the State of New York. thousands of Puerto Ricans. who are literate in Spanish but not in English. are disfranchised. Under the administrations proposal this practice is perfectly legal. The question could well be asked about other States. particularly the State of Texas. where less than 50 percent of the adult population went to the polls in 1964. But Texas is not included in the legislation because a literacy test is not used. Could public apathy and lack of a strong twoparty system in Texas have been responsible for less than 50 percent participationor could there have been discrimination which should bring the State of Texas under this bill. which certainly should be seeking to enforce the 15th amendment equally for all citizens regardless of where they live?
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literacy test