Millions of new American citizens, as well as Asian Americans, Latinos and Native Americans, have benefited from the Voting Rights Act (VRA). But with key provisions set to expire next year, renewing the VRA has become a high legislative priority for civil-rights activists.

Several civil-rights leaders spoke yesterday about key provisions—such as providing voting materials in the voter's language or Election Day assistance, known as Section 203 of the act—that are set to expire, and why it is important that they be renewed.

Jacqueline Johnson, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, said Native Americans have had a long history of disenfranchisement, and there are 88 jurisdictions "that need to provide language assistance to Natives." Although many know English, "they are somewhat comfortable in their native language on ballot issues. We're trying to ensure VRA provisions get passed."

In 1975, the VRA included bilingual provisions, which helped Latino voters, said John Trasviña, the interim president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In the 2004, presidential elections, 7.5 million Latinos voted, and access "to the important information" was imperative so that they could cast a vote, Trasviña said. While the English reading comprehension needed for naturalization is 5th-grade level, sometimes ballot questions are "8th, 10th grade and beyond," added Trasviña, "It's a top legislative priority." While certain provisions—such as forbidding literary tests and other impediments for people of color—never will expire, providing language assistance (a provision set to expire) is a very important part of the VRA.