preclear

[pree-kleer]

verb (used with object)

1. to authorize or approve (someone or something) in advance.

   Programs to preclear business travelers provide them with a variety of options for quick passage across the border.

2. to obtain advance authorization or approval for (something).

   The Voting Rights Act required some states to preclear their redistricting maps with the Justice Department.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preclear¹

First recorded in 1945–50; pre- ( def. ) + clear ( def. )

Example Sentences

Holder, the court struck down the formula that determined which states had to preclear voting changes with the federal government, effectively paralyzing Section 5.

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The result was the landmark opinion by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. striking down the formula Congress had implemented to decide which states had to have the Justice Department or judges preclear election-law changes.

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Less than a decade ago, the court eliminated the Voting Rights Act requirement that jurisdictions with histories of racial discrimination in voting preclear changes to voting rules with the Justice Department or federal courts.

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Indeed, because of its repeated voting violations, Arizona was covered under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act and was required to preclear all voting regulations with the Justice Department.

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Holder, Arizona tried to preclear the ballot collection ban at issue in Brnovich.

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