preclearance

American  

[pree-kleer-uhns] / ˈpriˈklɪər əns /

noun

1. approval, authorization, or permission granted in advance.

   Under company procedures, certain high-ranking executives are only allowed to sell shares after obtaining preclearance.

2. Transportation. customs, security, or immigration authorization granted in advance for passengers or goods traveling or moving across borders (often used attributively).

   The preclearance facility at Terminal 2 allows outbound passengers to undertake all U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections prior to departure.

3. Law. under the U.S. Voting Rights Act, approval from the Justice Department or federal courts for changes to voting laws, processes, or districts (often used attributively).

   In order to prevent changes that have a discriminatory purpose or effect, certain jurisdictions are required to obtain preclearance before implementing new voting practices.

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Etymology

Origin of preclearance

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- ( def. ) + clearance ( def. )

Example Sentences

Holder, effectively ending preclearance, which required states and localities with histories of discrimination to seek federal approval before changing voting laws.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2025

That history, the majority found, obviated the need for the preclearance system.

From Salon • Aug. 6, 2023

Without the preclearance process, the Justice Department and outside groups must rely on the courts to address potentially discriminatory legislation after it’s already gone into effect.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Without the preclearance process, the Justice Department and outside groups must rely on the courts to address potentially discriminatory legislation after it’s already taken effect.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2023

He also ordered the state to seek court approval for any further changes to those provisions for 10 years, a practice known as "preclearance" that he said was justified by a long history of discrimination.

From Reuters • Apr. 27, 2023