Speech #890087351

It seems to me that the administration bill is aimed solely at a few States. The Presidents bill would send in Federal officers to register voters where any test or device was used as a prerequisite to voting. and if less than 50 percent of the voting age population was registered to vote or voted in the November 1964 election. This arbitrary formula automatically points an accusing finger at all States which require some form of literacy test for all voters. It is true. according to evidence presented to the Judiciary Committee. that literacy tests have been used in some areas as a means for denying Negroes the right to vote. Wherever this occurs. it is wrong and in clear contravention to the Constitution itself. By no means. however. is this true in most States where literacy tests are required. and not one shred of evidence was presented that it is true in North Carolina. Each State has its own constitutional responsibility to determine what its voting requirements shall be. I feel that knowing how to read and write the English language ought to be required of all voters. I feel that the laws and the constitution of North Carolina are right and proper in requiring this. When these tests are applied fairly with no favoritism because of race or color. they are perfectly proper. With its tortuously contrived formula of percentages. the administration bill seems to be saying that discrimination is all right where no literacy test is applied. or if over 50 percent of the people are registered and voting. I feel strongly that a voting rights bill should be constructed on the following basis: First. Any such law should apply to all 50 States regardless of where they might be.