The preclearance requirement, created by Section 5 of the law, applies to nine states and portions of 13 others.

WSJ: Justices Question Aspects of Voting Rights Act

Section 5 requires preclearance by the U.S. attorney general of election law changes in jurisdictions covered by the provision.

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The act allows covered jurisdictions to seek exemption from preclearance requirements if they maintain a record free of discrimination for 10 years.

WSJ: Justices Question Aspects of Voting Rights Act