52 U.S.C. § 20501: Findings and purposes

the right of citizens of the United States to vote is a fundamental right; it is the duty of the Federal, State, and local governments to promote the exercise of that right; and discriminatory and unfair registration laws and procedures can have a direct and damaging effect on voter participation in elections for Federal office and disproportionately harm voter participation by various groups, including racial minorities. to establish procedures that will increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for Federal office; to make it possible for Federal, State, and local governments to implement this chapter in a manner that enhances the participation of eligible citizens as voters in elections for Federal office; to protect the integrity of the electoral process; and to ensure that accurate and current voter registration rolls are maintained. January 1, 1996 ; or the date that is 120 days after the date by which, under the constitution of the State as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, it would be legally possible to adopt and place into effect any amendments to the constitution of the State that are necessary to permit such compliance with this Act without requiring a special election; and with respect to any State not described in paragraph (1), on January 1, 1995 .”