What was the goal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

The goal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was primarily to eliminate informal barriers to voter registration, particularly those that were used to suppress the voting rights of African Americans and other minority groups in the South. The Act addressed practices like literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory measures that had been implemented to disenfranchise large segments of the population. By outlawing these practices and providing federal oversight of voter registration, the Act aimed to create a fair and equitable electoral process, ensuring that all citizens had the opportunity to participate in elections regardless of their race or background.

This legislation was a significant step in the civil rights movement, as it not only sought immediate access to the ballot box but also aimed to establish a foundation for long-term political empowerment for marginalized communities.