The Voting Rights Act

The Voting Rights Act, enacted in 1965, is a landmark piece of U.S. legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting. It was designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution. The Act prohibited practices like literacy tests and poll taxes that were used to disenfranchise African American voters and others. It also allowed for federal oversight of voter registration and elections in areas with a history of discrimination. The Act has been crucial in increasing voter registration and participation among historically marginalized groups.