#aaf? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,h4 ,r4 #d ,,an ,,act ,to am5d ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife to revise ! crit]ia = det]m9+ :i* ,/ates & political subdivisions are subject to section #d ( ! ,act1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,vot+ ,rights ,advancem5t ,act ( #bjai4 #b4 ,violations trigg]+ au?ority ( c\rt to reta9 jurisdiction 7a7 ,types ( ,violations ,section #c7;c7 ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjb7;c77 is am5d$ by /rik+ violations ( ! f\rte5? or fifte5? am5dm5t & ins]t+ violations ( ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t1 violations ( ?is ,act1 or violations ( any ,f$]al law t prohibits discrim9ation 9 vot+ on ! basis ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p14 7b7 ,con=m+ ,am5dm5t ,section #c7;a7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjb7;a77 is am5d$ by /rik+ violations ( ! f\rte5? or fifte5? am5dm5t & ins]t+ violations ( ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t1 violations ( ?is ,act1 or violations ( any ,f$]al law t prohibits discrim9ation 9 vot+ on ! basis ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p14 #c4 ,crit]ia = cov]age ( ,/ates & political subdivisions 7a7 ,det]m9ation ( ,/ates & ,political ,subdivisions ,subject to ,section #d7;a7 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #d7;b7 ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjc7;b77 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7b7 ,det]m9ation ( ,/ates & ,political ,subdivisions ,subject to ,requirem5ts 7#a7 ,exi/5ce ( vot+ rights violations dur+ previ\s #be ye>s 7,a7 ,/atewide application ,subsection 7a7 applies ) respect to a ,/ate & all political subdivisions )9 ! ,/ate dur+ a cal5d> ye> if-- 7i7 fifte5 or m vot+ rights violations occurr$ 9 ! ,/ate dur+ ! previ\s #be cal5d> ye>s2 or 7ii7 t5 or m vot+ rights violations occurr$ 9 ! ,/ate dur+ ! previ\s #be cal5d> ye>s1 at lea/ "o ( :i* 0 committ$ by ! ,/ate itself 7z oppos$ to a political subdivision )9 ! ,/ate74 7,b7 ,application to specific political subdivisions ,subsection 7a7 applies ) respect to a political subdivision z a sep>ate unit dur+ a cal5d> ye> if ?ree or m vot+ rights violations occurr$ 9 ! subdivision dur+ ! previ\s #be cal5d> ye>s4 7#b7 ,p]iod ( application 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 if1 pursuant to p>agraph 7#a71 subsection 7a7 applies ) respect to a ,/ate or political subdivision dur+ a cal5d> ye>1 subsection 7a7 %all apply ) respect to su* ,/ate or political subdivision = ! p]iod-- 7i7 t beg9s on ,janu>y #a ( ! ye> 9 :i* subsection 7a7 applies2 & 7ii7 t ends on ! date :i* is #aj ye>s aft] ! date describ$ 9 clause 7i74 7,b7 ,no fur!r application aft] decl>atory judgm5t 7i7 ,/ates ,if a ,/ate obta9s a decl>atory judgm5t "u subsection 7a71 & ! judgm5t rema9s 9 effect1 subsection 7a7 %all no long] apply to su* ,/ate pursuant to p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 unless1 aft] ! issuance ( ! decl>atory judgm5t1 p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 applies to ! ,/ate solely on ! basis ( vot+ rights violations occurr+ aft] ! issuance ( ! decl>atory judgm5t4 7ii7 ,political subdivisions ,if a political subdivision obta9s a decl>atory judgm5t "u subsection 7a71 & ! judgm5t rema9s 9 effect1 subsection 7a7 %all no long] apply to su* political subdivision pursuant to p>agraph 7#a71 includ+ pursuant to p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 7relat+ to ! /atewide application ( subsection 7a771 unless1 aft] ! issuance ( ! decl>atory judgm5t1 p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 applies to ! political subdivision solely on ! basis ( vot+ rights violations occurr+ aft] ! issuance ( ! decl>atory judgm5t4 7#c7 ,det]m9ation ( vot+ rights violation ,= purposes ( p>agraph 7#a71 a vot+ rights violation occurr$ 9 a ,/ate or political subdivision if any ( ! foll[+ applies3 7,a7 ,f9al judgm5t2 violation ( ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t ,9 a f9al judgm5t 7:i* has n be5 rev]s$ on appeal71 any c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates has det]m9$ t a d5ial or abridgem5t ( ! "r ( any citiz5 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to vote on acc\nt ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p1 9 violation ( ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t1 occurr$ any:]e )9 ! ,/ate or subdivision4 7,b7 ,f9al judgm5t2 violations ( ?is ,act ,9 a f9al judgm5t 7:i* has n be5 rev]s$ on appeal71 any c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates has det]m9$ t a vot+ qualification or pr]equisite to vot+ or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+ 0 impos$ or appli$ or w\ld h be5 impos$ or appli$ any:]e )9 ! ,/ate or subdivision 9 a mann] t result$ or w\ld h result$ 9 a d5ial or abridgem5t ( ! "r ( any citiz5 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to vote on acc\nt ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p1 9 violation ( subsection 7e7 or 7f71 or section #b or #bjc ( ?is ,act4 7,c7 ,f9al judgm5t2 ,d5ial ( decl>atory judgm5t ,9 a f9al judgm5t 7:i* has n be5 rev]s$ on appeal71 any c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates has d5i$ ! reque/ ( ! ,/ate or subdivision = a decl>atory judgm5t "u section #c7;c7 or section #e1 & !reby prev5t$ a vot+ qualification or pr]equisite to vot+ or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+ f be+ en=c$ any:]e )9 ! ,/ate or subdivision4 7,d7 ,objection by ! ,attorney ,g5]al ,! ,attorney ,g5]al has int]pos$ an objection "u section #c7;c7 or section #e 7& ! objection has n be5 ov]turn$ by a f9al judgm5t ( a c\rt or )drawn by ! ,attorney ,g5]al71 & !reby prev5t$ a vot+ qualification or pr]equisite to vot+ or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+ f be+ en=c$ any:]e )9 ! ,/ate or subdivision4 7,e7 ,cons5t decree1 settlem5t1 or o!r agreem5t ,a cons5t decree1 settlem5t1 or o!r agreem5t 0 ent]$ into1 :i* result$ 9 ! alt]ation or ab&onm5t ( a vot+ practice any:]e 9 ! t]ritory ( su* ,/ate t 0 *all5g$ on ! gr\nd t ! practice d5i$ or abridg$ ! "r ( any citiz5 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to vote on acc\nt ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p 9 violation ( subsection 7e7 or 7f71 or section #b or #bjc ( ?is ,act1 or ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t4 7#d7 ,tim+ ( det]m9ations 7,a7 ,det]m9ations ( vot+ rights violations ,z e>ly z practicable dur+ ea* cal5d> ye>1 ! ,attorney ,g5]al %all make ! det]m9ations requir$ by ?is subsection1 includ+ updat+ ! li/ ( vot+ rights violations occurr+ 9 ea* ,/ate & political subdivision = ! previ\s cal5d> ye>4 7,b7 ,effective ^u publication 9 ,f$]al ,regi/] ,a det]m9ation or c]tification ( ! ,attorney ,g5]al "u ?is section or "u section #h or #ac %all be effective ^u publication 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/]4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,section #d7;a7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjc7;a77 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce ( ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ any ,/ate ) respect to :i* & all t foll[s ?r\gh unless & ins]t+ any ,/ate to :i* ?is subsection applies dur+ a cal5d> ye> pursuant to det]m9ations made "u subsection 7b71 or 9 any political subdivision ( su* ,/ate 7z su* subdivision exi/$ on ! date su* det]m9ations 7 made ) respect to su* ,/ate71 ?\gh su* det]m9ations 7 n made ) respect to su* subdivision z a sep>ate unit1 or 9 any political subdivision ) respect to :i* ?is subsection applies dur+ a cal5d> ye> pursuant to det]m9ations made ) respect to su* subdivision z a sep>ate unit "u subsection 7b71 unless2 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#a7 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ ! second s5t5ce2 7,c7 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,a71 by /rik+ 79 ! case ( a ,/ate or subdivision seek+ a decl>atory judgm5t "u ! second s5t5ce ( ?is subsection72 7,d7 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 by /rik+ 79 ! case ( a ,/ate or subdivision seek+ a decl>atory judgm5t "u ! second s5t5ce ( ?is subsection72 7,e7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ 79 ! case ( a ,/ate or subdivision seek+ a decl>atory judgm5t "u ! second s5t5ce ( ?is subsection72 7,f7 9 p>agraph 7#e71 by /rik+ 79 ! case ( a ,/ate or subdivision :i* s\ght a decl>atory judgm5t "u ! second s5t5ce ( ?is subsection72 7,g7 by /rik+ p>agraphs 7#g7 & 7#h72 & 7,h7 by r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#i7 z p>agraph 7#g74 7b7 ,cl>ification ( ,treatm5t ( ,memb]s ( ,language ,m9ority ,gr\ps ,section #d7;a77#a7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjc7;a77#a77 is am5d$ by /rik+ race or color1 & ins]t+ race1 color1 or 9 contrav5tion ( ! gu>antees ( subsection 7f77#b714 #d4 ,det]m9ation ( ,/ates & ,political ,subdivisions ,subject to ,precle>ance = ,cov]$ ,practices ,! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq47 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #d ! foll[+3 #d;,a4 ,det]m9ation ( ,/ates & ,political ,subdivisions ,subject to ,precle>ance = ,cov]$ ,practices 7a7 ,practice-,bas$ precle>ance 7#a7 ,9 ,g5]al ,ea* ,/ate & ea* political subdivision %all-- 7,a7 id5tify any newly enact$ or adopt$ law1 regulation1 or policy t includes a vot+ qualification or pr]equisite to vot+1 or a /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+1 t is a cov]$ practice describ$ 9 subsection 7b72 & 7,b7 ensure t no su* cov]$ practice is implem5t$ unless or until ! ,/ate or political subdivision1 z ! case may be1 complies ) subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,det]m9ations ( *>act]i/ics ( vot+-age population 7,a7 ,9 ,g5]al ,z e>ly z practicable dur+ ea* cal5d> ye>1 ! ,attorney ,g5]al1 9 consultation ) ! ,director ( ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus & ! heads ( o!r relevant (fices ( ! gov]nm5t1 %all make ! det]m9ations requir$ by ?is section reg>d+ vot+-age populations & ! *>act]i/ics ( su* populations1 & %all publi% a li/ ( ! ,/ates & political subdivisions to :i* a vot+-age population *>act]i/ic describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 applies4 7,b7 ,publication 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] ,a det]m9ation or c]tification ( ! ,attorney ,g5]al "u ?is p>agraph %all be effective ^u publication 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/]4 7b7 ,cov]$ practices ,to assure t ! "r ( citiz5s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to vote is n d5i$ or abridg$ on acc\nt ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p z a result ( ! implem5tation ( c]ta9 qualifications or pr]equisites to vot+1 or /&>ds1 practices1 or proc$ures ) respect to vot+ newly adopt$ 9 a ,/ate or political subdivision1 ! foll[+ %all be cov]$ practices subject to ! requirem5ts describ$ 9 subsection 7a73 7#a7 ,*anges to me?od ( election ,any *ange to ! me?od ( election-- 7,a7 to add seats elect$ at-l>ge 9 a ,/ate or political subdivision :]e-- 7i7 two or m racial gr\ps or language m9ority gr\ps ea* repres5t #bj p]c5t or m ( ! political subdivision's vot+-age population2 or 7ii7 a s+le language m9ority gr\p repres5ts #bj p]c5t or m ( ! vot+-age population on ,indian l&s locat$ 9 :ole or 9 "p 9 ! political subdivision2 or 7,b7 to conv]t "o or m seats elect$ f a s+le-memb] di/rict to "o or m at-l>ge seats or seats f a multi-memb] di/rict 9 a ,/ate or political subdivision :]e-- 7i7 two or m racial gr\ps or language m9ority gr\ps ea* repres5t #bj p]c5t or m ( ! political subdivision's vot+-age population2 or 7ii7 a s+le language m9ority gr\p repres5ts #bj p]c5t or m ( ! vot+-age population on ,indian l&s locat$ 9 :ole or 9 "p 9 ! political subdivision4 7#b7 ,*anges to jurisdiction b\nd>ies ,any *ange or s]ies ( *anges )9 a ye> to ! b\nd>ies ( a jurisdiction t r$uces by #c or m p]c5tage po9ts ! proportion ( ! jurisdiction's vot+-age population t is compris$ ( memb]s ( a s+le racial gr\p or language m9ority gr\p 9 a ,/ate or political subdivision :]e-- 7,a7 two or m racial gr\ps or language m9ority gr\ps ea* repres5t #bj p]c5t or m ( ! political subdivision's vot+-age population2 or 7,b7 a s+le language m9ority gr\p repres5ts #bj p]c5t or m ( ! vot+-age population on ,indian l&s locat$ 9 :ole or 9 "p 9 ! political subdivision4 7#c7 ,*anges ?r\gh r$i/rict+ ,any *ange to ! b\nd>ies ( election di/ricts 9 a ,/ate or political subdivision :]e any racial gr\p or language m9ority gr\p exp]i5ces a population increase1 ov] ! prec$+ decade 7z calculat$ by ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus "u ! mo/ rec5t dec5nial c5sus71 ( at lea/-- 7,a7 #aj1jjj2 or 7,b7 #bj p]c5t ( vot+-age population ( ! ,/ate or political subdivision1 z ! case may be4 7#d7 ,*anges 9 docum5tation or qualifications to vote ,any *ange to requirem5ts = docum5tation or pro( ( id5tity to vote su* t ! requirem5ts w exce$ or be m /r+5t ?an ! requirem5ts = vot+ t are describ$ 9 section #cjc7;b7 ( ! ,help ,am]ica ,vote ,act ( #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;b77 or any *ange to ! requirem5ts = docum5tation or pro( ( id5tity to regi/] to vote t w exce$ or be m /r+5t ?an su* requirem5ts "u ,/ate law on ! day be=e ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,advancem5t ,act ( #bjai4 7#e7 ,*anges to multil+ual vot+ mat]ials ,any *ange t r$uces multil+ual vot+ mat]ials or alt]s ! mann] 9 :i* su* mat]ials are provid$ or di/ribut$1 :]e no simil> r$uction or alt]ation occurs 9 mat]ials provid$ 9 ,engli% = su* election4 7#f7 ,*anges t r$uce1 consolidate1 or relocate vot+ locations1 or r$uce vot+ opportunities ,any *ange t r$uces1 consolidates1 or relocates vot+ locations1 includ+ e>ly1 abs5tee1 & election-day vot+ locations1 or r$uces days or h\rs ( 9 p]son vot+ on any ,sunday dur+ a p]iod occurr+ prior to ! date ( an election dur+ :i* vot]s may ca/ ballots 9 su* election-- 7,a7 9 "o or m c5sus tracts :]e9 two or m language m9ority gr\ps or racial gr\ps ea* repres5t #bj p]c5t or m ( ! vot+-age population ( ! political subdivision2 or 7,b7 on ,indian l&s :]e9 at lea/ #bj p]c5t ( ! vot+-age population belongs to a s+le language m9ority gr\p4 7#g7 ,new li/ ma9t5ance process ,any *ange to ! ma9t5ance ( vot] regi/ration li/s t adds a new basis = removal f ! li/ ( active regi/]$ vot]s or t puts 9 place a new process = remov+ a "n f ! li/ ( active regi/]$ vot]s-- 7,a7 9 ! case ( a political subdivision impos+ su* *ange if-- 7i7 two or m racial gr\ps or language m9ority gr\ps ea* repres5t #bj p]c5t or m ( ! vot+-age population ( ! political subdivision2 or 7ii7 a s+le language m9ority gr\p repres5ts #bj p]c5t or m ( ! vot+-age population on ,indian l&s locat$ 9 :ole or 9 "p 9 ! political subdivision2 or 7,b7 9 ! case ( a ,/ate impos+ su* *ange1 if two or m racial gr\ps or language m9ority gr\ps ea* repres5t #bj p]c5t or m ( ! vot+-age population (-- 7i7 ! ,/ate2 or 7ii7 a political subdivision 9 ! ,/ate1 except t ! requirem5ts "u subsections 7a7 & 7c7 %all apply only ) respect to ea* su* political subdivision4 7c7 ,precle>ance 7#a7 ,9 ,g5]al ,:5ev] a ,/ate or political subdivision ) respect to :i* ! requirem5ts set =? 9 subsection 7a7 are 9 effect %all enact1 adopt1 or seek to implem5t any cov]$ practice describ$ "u subsection 7b71 su* ,/ate or subdivision may in/itute an action 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia = a decl>atory judgm5t t su* cov]$ practice nei!r has ! purpose nor w h ! effect ( d5y+ or abridg+ ! "r to vote on acc\nt ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p1 & unless & until ! c\rt ent]s su* judgm5t su* cov]$ practice %all n be implem5t$4 ,not)/&+ ! previ\s s5t5ce1 su* cov]$ practice may be implem5t$ )\t su* proce$+ if ! cov]$ practice has be5 submitt$ by ! *ief legal (fic] or o!r appropriate (ficial ( su* ,/ate or subdivision to ! ,attorney ,g5]al & ! ,attorney ,g5]al has n int]pos$ an objection )9 #fj days aft] su* submission1 or ^u good cause %[n1 to facilitate an exp$it$ approval )9 #fj days aft] su* submission1 ! ,attorney ,g5]al has affirmatively indicat$ t su* objection w n be made4 ,nei!r an affirmative indication by ! ,attorney ,g5]al t no objection w be made1 nor ! ,attorney ,g5]al's failure to object1 nor a decl>atory judgm5t ent]$ "u ?is section %all b> a subsequ5t action to enjo9 implem5tation ( su* cov]$ practice4 ,9 ! ev5t ! ,attorney ,g5]al affirmatively indicates t no objection w be made )9 ! #fj-;day p]iod foll[+ receipt ( a submission1 ! ,attorney ,g5]al may res]ve ! "r to reexam9e ! submission if additional in=mation comes to ! ,attorney ,g5]al's att5tion dur+ ! rema9d] ( ! #fj-;day p]iod :i* w\ld o!rwise require objection 9 accordance ) ?is section4 ,any action "u ?is section %all be he>d & det]m9$ by a c\rt ( ?ree judges 9 accordance ) ! provisions ( section #bbhd ( title #bh1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & any appeal %all lie to ! ,supreme ,c\rt4 7#b7 ,d5y+ or abridg+ ! "r to vote ,any cov]$ practice describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 t has ! purpose ( or w h ! effect ( dim9i%+ ! ability ( any citiz5s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates on acc\nt ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p1 to elect _! pref]r$ c&idates ( *oice d5ies or abridges ! "r to vote )9 ! mean+ ( p>agraph 7#a7 ( ?is subsection4 7#c7 ,purpose def9$ ,! t]m purpose 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b7 ( ?is subsection %all include any discrim9atory purpose4 7#d7 ,purpose ( p>agraph 7#b7 ,! purpose ( p>agraph 7#b7 ( ?is subsection is to protect ! ability ( su* citiz5s to elect _! pref]r$ c&idates ( *oice4 7d7 ,en=cem5t ,! ,attorney ,g5]al or any aggriev$ citiz5 may file an action 9 a ,f$]al di/rict c\rt to compel any ,/ate or political subdivision to satisfy ! obligations set =? 9 ?is section4 ,su* actions %all be he>d & det]m9$ by a c\rt ( ?ree judges "u section #bbhd ( title #bh1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 ,9 any su* action1 ! c\rt %all provide z a rem$y t any vot+ qualification or pr]equisite to vot+1 or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+1 t is ! subject ( ! action "u ?is subsection be enjo9$ unless ! c\rt det]m9es t-- 7#a7 ! vot+ qualification or pr]equisite to vot+1 or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+1 is n a cov]$ practice describ$ 9 subsection 7b72 or 7#b7 ! ,/ate or political subdivision has compli$ ) subsection 7c7 ) respect to ! cov]$ practice at issue4 7e7 ,c\nt+ ( racial gr\ps & language m9ority gr\ps ,= purposes ( ?is section1 ! calculation ( ! population ( a racial gr\p or a language m9ority gr\p %all be c>ri$ out us+ ! me?odology 9 ! guidance promulgat$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] on ,febru>y #i1 #bjaa 7#gf ,f$4 ,reg4 #gdgj74 7f7 ,special rule ,= purposes ( det]m9ations "u ?is section1 any data provid$ by ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus1 :e!r bas$ on e/imation f sample or actual enum]ation1 %all n be subject to *all5ge or review 9 any c\rt4 7g7 ,multil+ual vot+ mat]ials ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m multil+ual vot+ mat]ials means regi/ration or vot+ notices1 =ms1 in/ructions1 assi/ance1 or o!r mat]ials or in=mation relat+ to ! electoral process1 includ+ ballots1 provid$ 9 ! language or languages ( "o or m language m9ority gr\ps4 4 #e4 ,promot+ transp>5cy to en=ce ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act 7a7 ,transp>5cy 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq47 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #e ! foll[+ new section3 #f4 ,transp>5cy reg>d+ *anges to protect vot+ rights 7a7 ,notice ( enact$ *anges 7#a7 ,notice ( ,*anges ,if a ,/ate or political subdivision makes any *ange 9 any pr]equisite to vot+ or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+ 9 any election = ,f$]al (fice t w result 9 ! pr]equisite1 /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure be+ diff]5t f t :i* 0 9 effect z ( #ahj days be=e ! date ( ! election = ,f$]al (fice1 ! ,/ate or political subdivision %all provide reasonable public notice 9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision & on ! ,int]net1 ( a concise description ( ! *ange1 includ+ ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! *ang$ pr]equisite1 /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure & ! pr]equisite1 /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure :i* 0 previ\sly 9 effect4 ,! public notice describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph1 9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision & on ! ,int]net1 %all be 9 a =mat t is reasonably conv5i5t & accessible to vot]s ) disabilities1 includ+ vot]s :o h l[ vision or are bl9d4 7#b7 ,deadl9e = notice ,a ,/ate or political subdivision %all provide ! public notice requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 n lat] ?an #dh h\rs aft] mak+ ! *ange involv$4 7b7 ,transp>5cy ,reg>d+ ,poll+ ,place ,res\rces 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 ord] to id5tify any *anges t may impact ! "r to vote ( any p]son1 prior to ! #cj? day be=e ! date ( an election = ,f$]al (fice1 ea* ,/ate or political subdivision ) responsibility = allocat+ regi/]$ vot]s1 vot+ ma*9es1 & (ficial poll work]s to p>ticul> prec9cts & poll+ places %all provide reasonable public notice 9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision & on ! ,int]net1 ( ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 = prec9cts & poll+ places )9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision4 ,! public notice describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph1 9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision & on ! ,int]net1 %all be 9 a =mat t is reasonably conv5i5t & accessible to vot]s ) disabilities includ+ vot]s :o h l[ vision or are bl9d4 7#b7 ,in=mation describ$ ,! in=mation describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph ) respect to a prec9ct or poll+ place is ea* ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! "n or numb]4 7,b7 ,9 ! case ( a poll+ place1 ! location1 includ+ ! /reet address1 & :e!r su* poll+ place is accessible to p]sons ) disabilities4 7,c7 ,! vot+-age population ( ! area s]v$ by ! prec9ct or poll+ place1 brok5 d[n by demographic gr\p if su* breakd[n is reasonably available to su* ,/ate or political subdivision4 7,d7 ,! numb] ( regi/]$ vot]s assign$ to ! prec9ct or poll+ place1 brok5 d[n by demographic gr\p if su* breakd[n is reasonably available to su* ,/ate or political subdivision4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( vot+ ma*9es assign$1 includ+ ! numb] ( vot+ ma*9es accessible to vot]s ) disabilities1 includ+ vot]s :o h l[ vision or are bl9d4 7,f7 ,! numb] ( (ficial paid poll work]s assign$4 7,g7 ,! numb] ( (ficial volunte] poll work]s assign$4 7,h7 ,9 ! case ( a poll+ place1 ! dates & h\rs ( op]ation4 7#c7 ,updates 9 in=mation report$ ,if a ,/ate or political subdivision makes any *ange 9 any ( ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,/ate or political subdivision %all provide reasonable public notice 9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision & on ! ,int]net1 ( ! *ange 9 ! in=mation n lat] ?an #dh h\rs aft] ! *ange occurs or1 if ! *ange occurs few] ?an #dh h\rs be=e ! date ( ! election = ,f$]al (fice1 z soon z practicable aft] ! *ange occurs4 ,! public notice describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph 9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision & on ! ,int]net %all be 9 a =mat t is reasonably conv5i5t & accessible to vot]s ) disabilities includ+ vot]s :o h l[ vision or are bl9d4 7c7 ,transp>5cy ( ,*anges ,relat+ to ,demographics & ,electoral ,di/ricts 7#a7 ,requir+ public notice ( *anges ,n lat] ?an #aj days aft] mak+ any *ange 9 ! con/itu5cy t w p>ticipate 9 an election = ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 or local (fice or ! b\nd>ies ( a vot+ unit or electoral di/rict 9 an election = ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 or local (fice 7includ+ ?r\gh r$i/rict+1 reapportionm5t1 *ang+ f at-l>ge elections to di/rict-bas$ elections1 or *ang+ f di/rict-bas$ elections to at-l>ge elections71 a ,/ate or political subdivision %all provide reasonable public notice 9 su* ,/ate or political subdivision & on ! ,int]net1 ( ! demographic & electoral data describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 = ea* ( ! geographic areas describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,geographic areas describ$ ,! geographic areas describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are z foll[s3 7,a7 ,! ,/ate z a :ole1 if ! *ange applies /atewide1 or ! political subdivision z a :ole1 if ! *ange applies across ! entire political subdivision4 7,b7 ,if ! *ange includes a plan to replace or elim9ate vot+ units or electoral di/ricts1 ea* vot+ unit or electoral di/rict t w be replac$ or elim9at$4 7,c7 ,if ! *ange includes a plan to e/abli% new vot+ units or electoral di/ricts1 ea* su* new vot+ unit or electoral di/rict4 7#c7 ,demographic & electoral data ,! demographic & electoral data describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph ) respect to a geographic area describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 are ea* ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! vot+-age population1 brok5 d[n by demographic gr\p4 7,b7 ,if x is reasonably available to ! ,/ate or political subdivision involv$1 an e/imate ( ! population ( ! area :i* consi/s ( citiz5s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates :o are #ah ye>s ( age or old]1 brok5 d[n by demographic gr\p4 7,c7 ,! numb] ( regi/]$ vot]s1 brok5 d[n by demographic gr\p if su* breakd[n is reasonably available to ! ,/ate or political subdivision involv$4 7,d7 7i7 ,if ! *ange applies to a ,/ate1 ! actual numb] ( votes1 or 7if x is n reasonably practicable = ! ,/ate to asc]ta9 ! actual numb] ( votes7 ! e/imat$ numb] ( votes receiv$ by ea* c&idate 9 ea* /atewide election held dur+ ! #e-ye> p]iod :i* ends on ! date ! *ange involv$ is made2 & 7ii7 if ! *ange applies to only "o political subdivision1 ! actual numb] ( votes1 or 7if x is n reasonably practicable = ! political subdivision to asc]ta9 ! actual numb] ( votes7 9 ea* subdivision-wide election held dur+ ! #e-ye> p]iod :i* ends on ! date ! *ange involv$ is made4 7#d7 ,volunt>y ,compliance by small] jurisdictions ,compliance ) ?is subsection %all be volunt>y = a political subdivision ( a ,/ate unless ! subdivision is "o ( ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a c\nty or p>i%4 7,b7 ,a municipality ) a population great] ?an #aj1jjj1 z det]m9$ by ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus "u ! mo/ rec5t dec5nial c5sus4 7,c7 ,a s*ool di/rict ) a population great] ?an #aj1jjj1 z det]m9$ by ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus "u ! mo/ rec5t dec5nial c5sus4 ,= purposes ( ?is subp>agraph1 ! t]m s*ool di/rict means ! geographic area "u ! jurisdiction ( a local educational ag5cy 7z def9$ 9 section #iaja ( ! ,elem5t>y & ,second>y ,education ,act ( #aife74 7d7 ,rules ,reg>d+ ,=mat ( ,in=mation ,! ,attorney ,g5]al may issue rules specify+ a reasonably conv5i5t & accessible =mat t ,/ates & political subdivisions %all use to provide public notice ( in=mation "u ?is section4 7e7 ,no d5ial ( "r ,to vote ,! "r to vote ( any p]son %all n be d5i$ or abridg$ because ! p]son fail$ to comply ) any *ange made by a ,/ate or political subdivision to a vot+ qualification1 /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure if ! ,/ate or political subdivision involv$ did n meet ! applicable requirem5ts ( ?is section ) respect to ! *ange4 7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section-- 7#a7 ! t]m demographic gr\p means ea* gr\p :i* section #b protects f ! d5ial or abridgem5t ( ! "r to vote on acc\nt ( race or color1 or 9 contrav5tion ( ! gu>antees set =? 9 section #d7;f77#b72 7#b7 ! t]m election = ,f$]al (fice means any g5]al1 special1 prim>y1 or run(f election held solely or 9 "p = ! purpose ( elect+ any c&idate = ! (fice ( ,presid5t1 ,vice ,presid5t1 ,presid5tial elector1 ,s5ator1 ,memb] ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 or ,delegate or ,resid5t ,commission] to ! ,congress2 & 7#c7 ! t]m p]sons ) disabilities1 means individuals ) a disability1 z def9$ 9 section #c ( ! ,am]icans ) ,disabilities ,act ( #aiij4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #c7;a7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjb7;a77 is am5d$ by /rik+ 9 accordance ) section #f4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,! am5dm5t made by subsection 7a77#a7 %all apply ) respect to *anges :i* are made on or aft] ! expiration ( ! #fj-;day p]iod :i* beg9s on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #f4 ,au?ority to assign obs]v]s 7a7 ,cl>ification ( ,au?ority 9 ,political ,subdivisions ,subject to ,precle>ance ,section #h7;a77#b77;,b7 ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcje7;a77#b77;,b77 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7,b7 9 ! ,attorney ,g5]al's judgm5t1 ! assignm5t ( obs]v]s is o!rwise necess>y to en=ce ! gu>antees ( ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t or any provision ( ?is ,act or any o!r ,f$]al law protect+ ! "r ( citiz5s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to vote2 or 4 7b7 ,assignm5t ( ,obs]v]s ,to ,en=ce ,bil+ual ,election ,requirem5ts ,section #h7;a7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcje7;a77 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ or at ! end ( p>agraph 7#a72 7#b7 by ins]t+ aft] p>agraph 7#b7 ! foll[+3 7#c7 ! ,attorney ,g5]al c]tifies ) respect to a political subdivision t-- 7,a7 ! ,attorney ,g5]al has receiv$ writt5 m]itori\s compla9ts f resid5ts1 elect$ (ficials1 or civic p>ticipation organizations t ef=ts to violate section #bjc are likely to occur2 or 7,b7 9 ! ,attorney ,g5]al's judgm5t1 ! assignm5t ( obs]v]s is necess>y to en=ce ! gu>antees ( section #bjc2 2 & 7#c7 by mov+ ! m>g9 = ! cont9uation text foll[+ p>agraph 7#c71 z add$ by p>agraph 7#b7 ( ?is subsection1 #b ems to ! left4 #g4 ,prelim9>y ,injunctive relief 7a7 ,cl>ification ( ,scope & ,p]sons ,au?oriz$ ,to ,seek ,relief ,section #ab7;d7 ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjh7;d77 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ section #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #g1 #aj1 #aa1 or subsection 7b7 ( ?is section & ins]t+ ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t1 ?is ,act1 or any ,f$]al vot+ rights law t prohibits discrim9ation on ! basis ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ ! ,attorney ,g5]al may in/itute = ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 or 9 ! "n ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 & ins]t+ ! aggriev$ p]son or 79 ! "n ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates7 ! ,attorney ,g5]al may in/itute4 7b7 ,gr\nds = ,grant+ ,relief ,section #ab7;d7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjh7;d77 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ 7d7 ,:5ev] any p]son & ins]t+ 7d77#a7 ,:5ev] any p]son2 7#b7 by /rik+ 7#a7 to p]mit & ins]t+ 7,a7 to p]mit2 7#c7 by /rik+ 7#b7 to c\nt & ins]t+ 7,b7 to c\nt2 & 7#d7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,9 any action = prelim9>y relief describ$ 9 ?is subsection1 ! c\rt %all grant ! relief if ! c\rt det]m9es t ! compla9ant has rais$ a s]i\s "q :e!r ! *all5g$ vot+ qualification or pr]equisite to vot+ or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure violates ?is ,act or ! ,con/itution &1 on balance1 ! h>d%ip impos$ ^u ! def5dant by ! grant ( ! relief w be less ?an ! h>d%ip :i* w\ld be impos$ ^u ! pla9tiff if ! relief 7 n grant$4 ,9 balanc+ ! h>ms1 ! c\rt %all give due weight to ! fundam5tal "r to ca/ an effective ballot4 7,b7 ,9 mak+ its det]m9ation "u ?is p>agraph ) respect to a *ange 9 any vot+ qualification1 pr]equisite to vot+1 or /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure ) respect to vot+1 ! c\rt %all consid] all relevant factors & give due weight to ! foll[+ factors1 if !y are pres5t3 7i7 ,:e!r ! qualification1 pr]equisite1 /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure 9 effect prior to ! *ange 0 adopt$ z a rem$y = a ,f$]al c\rt judgm5t1 cons5t decree1 or admission reg>d+-- 7,i7 discrim9ation on ! basis ( race or color 9 violation ( ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t2 7,,ii7 a violation ( ?is ,act2 or 7,,iii7 vot+ discrim9ation on ! basis ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p 9 violation ( any o!r ,f$]al or ,/ate law4 7ii7 ,:e!r ! qualification1 pr]equisite1 /&>d1 practice1 or proc$ure 9 effect prior to ! *ange s]v$ z a gr\nd = ! dismissal or settlem5t ( a claim alleg+-- 7,i7 discrim9ation on ! basis ( race or color 9 violation ( ! #ad? or #ae? ,am5dm5t2 7,,ii7 a violation ( ?is ,act2 or 7,,iii7 vot+ discrim9ation on ! basis ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p 9 violation ( any o!r ,f$]al or ,/ate law4 7iii7 ,:e!r ! *ange 0 adopt$ few] ?an #ahj days be=e ! date ( ! election ) respect to :i* ! *ange is to take effect4 7iv7 ,:e!r ! def5dant has fail$ to provide timely or complete notice ( ! adoption ( ! *ange z requir$ by applicable ,f$]al or ,/ate law4 4 7c7 ,gr\nds = /ay or int]locutory appeal ,section #ab7;d7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjh7;d77 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#c7 ,a jurisdiction's inability to en=ce its vot+ or election laws1 regulations1 policies1 or r$i/rict+ plans1 /&+ alone1 %all n be deem$ to con/itute irrep>able h>m to ! public int]e/ or to ! int]e/s ( a def5dant 9 an action aris+ "u ! ,u4,s4 ,con/itution or any ,f$]al law t prohibits discrim9ation on ! basis ( race1 color1 or memb]%ip 9 a language m9ority gr\p 9 ! vot+ process1 = ! purposes ( det]m9+ :e!r a /ay ( a c\rt's ord] or an int]locutory appeal "u section #abec ( title #bh1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is w>rant$4 4 #h4 ,def9itions ,title ,i ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja7 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #ba4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is ,act3 7#a7 ,indian ,! t]m ,indian has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m 9 section #d ( ! ,indian ,self-,det]m9ation & ,education ,assi/ance ,act4 7#b7 ,indian l&s ,! t]m ,indian l&s means-- 7,a7 any ,indian c\ntry ( an ,indian tribe1 z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #aaea ( title #ah1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 7,b7 any l& 9 ,alaska t is own$1 pursuant to ! ,alaska ,native ,claims ,settlem5t ,act1 by an ,indian tribe t is a ,native village 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #c ( su* ,act71 or by a ,village ,corporation t is associat$ ) ! ,indian tribe 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #c ( su* ,act72 7,c7 any l& on :i* ! seat ( gov]nm5t ( ! ,indian tribe is locat$2 & 7,d7 any l& t is "p or all ( a tribal designat$ /ati/ical area associat$ ) ! ,indian tribe1 or is "p or all ( an ,alaska ,native village /ati/ical area associat$ ) ! tribe1 z def9$ by ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus = ! purposes ( ! mo/ rec5t dec5nial c5sus4 7#c7 ,indian tribe ,! t]m ,indian tribe or tribe has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m ,indian tribe 9 section #d ( ! ,indian ,self-,det]m9ation & ,education ,assi/ance ,act4 7#d7 ,tribal ,gov]nm5t ,! t]m ,tribal ,gov]nm5t means ! recogniz$ gov]n+ body ( an ,indian ,tribe4 7#e7 ,vot+-age population ,! t]m vot+-age population means ! num]ical size ( ! population )9 a ,/ate1 )9 a political subdivision1 or )9 a political subdivision t conta9s ,indian l&s1 z ! case may be1 t consi/s ( p]sons age #ah or old]1 z calculat$ by ! ,bureau ( ! ,c5sus "u ! mo/ rec5t dec5nial c5sus4 4 #i4 ,attorneys' fees ,section #ad7;c7 ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcaj7;c77 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 ,! t]m prevail+ p>ty means a p>ty to an action t receives at lea/ "s ( ! b5efit s\ght by su* action1 /ates a colorable claim1 & c e/abli% t ! action 0 a significant cause ( a *ange to ! /atus quo4 4 #aj4 ,o!r te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7a7 ,actions ,cov]$ ,"u ,section #c ,section #c7;c7 ( ! ,vot+ ,rights ,act ( #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjb7;c77 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ any proce$+ in/itut$ by ! ,attorney ,g5]al or an aggriev$ p]son "u any /atute to en=ce & ins]t+ any action "u any /atute 9 :i* a p>ty 7includ+ ! ,attorney ,g5]al7 seeks to en=ce2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ at ! "t ! proce$+ 0 comm5c$ & ins]t+ at ! "t ! action 0 comm5c$4 7b7 ,cl>ification ( ,treatm5t ( ,memb]s ( ,language ,m9ority ,gr\ps ,section #d7;f7 ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjc7;f77 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ! second s5t5ce2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ p>agraphs 7#c7 & 7#d74 7c7 ,p]iod ,dur+ ,:i* ,*anges 9 ,vot+ ,practices are ,subject to ,precle>ance ,"u ,section #e ,section #e ( su* ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjd7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ bas$ ^u det]m9ations made "u ! fir/ s5t5ce ( section #d7;b7 are 9 effect & ins]t+ are 9 effect dur+ a cal5d> ye>2 7#b7 9 subsection 7a71 by /rik+ ,novemb] #a1 #aifd & all t foll[s ?r\gh ,novemb] #a1 #aigb & ins]t+ ! applicable date ( cov]age2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7e7 ,! t]m applicable date ( cov]age means1 ) respect to a ,/ate or political subdivision-- 7#a7 ,june #be1 #bjac1 if ! mo/ rec5t det]m9ation = su* ,/ate or subdivision "u section #d7;b7 0 made on or be=e ,decemb] #ca1 #bjai2 or 7#b7 ! date on :i* ! mo/ rec5t det]m9ation = su* ,/ate or subdivision "u section #d7;b7 0 made1 if su* det]m9ation 0 made aft] ,decemb] #ca1 #bjai4 4 ,pass$ ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ,decemb] #f1 #bjai4;,cl]k4