INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson is encouraging state residents to register to vote to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes. It also established new legal protections for minority voters at the polls.

Lawson urged Indiana residents to honor those whose bravery and courage led to the landmark legislation. She says it only takes a few minutes and can be accomplished with a smartphone at any time.

Indiana residents can register to vote online by using the Indiana Voters app, or by visiting IndianaVoters.com, and can submit an application to register in person at their local county clerk's office or any Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch.