This report examines the current status of minority voting rights covered by the special provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The special provisions prescribe added protection of minority voting rights in those jurisdictions where discrimination in voting has been most pervasive. The report explains the Voting Rights Act and discusses its effects in enabling minorities to register/vote and in increasing the number of minority elected officials; examines whether minorities continue to experience problems in registering and in voting; analyzes the difficulties of minority candidates and minority voters in achieving fair representation; discusses the Department of Justice's objections to proposed changes in voting procedures; examines instances of noncompliance with the act in the jurisdictions that the act covers; analyzes the effectiveness of the minority language provisons (such as the requirement to print voting materials in minority languages) in increasing minority participation in the electoral process; and presents findings and recommendations. The report indicates that while the number of minorities elected to public office and the number of registered minorities have increased, problems in registration, voting, fair representation, and noncompliance continue to exist. Additional background and status information on the Voting Rights Act are provided by tables and appendices. (Author/MJL)