Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting. It focused on protecting the voting rights of African Americans, particularly in the Southern states where discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes were common. The Act empowered the federal government to oversee voter registration and elections in areas with a history of discrimination. It aimed to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, had the right to vote and participate fully in the democratic process, marking a significant step towards equality in American democracy.