What did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 accomplish?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation designed specifically to address and eliminate the various barriers that had historically suppressed the voting rights of African Americans, particularly in the Southern states. This Act was a direct response to the widespread discriminatory practices that had been implemented to disenfranchise Black voters, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other forms of intimidation.

The primary achievement of the Act was its focus on dismantling these barriers. It provided for federal oversight and monitoring of voter registration and election processes in areas where historical suppression of African American voting was most pronounced. This included provisions for federal examiners to oversee voter registration and the requirement for jurisdictions with significant racial discrimination history to receive federal approval before changing any voting laws or practices.

By ensuring that African Americans could exercise their right to vote without unjust obstacles, the Voting Rights Act fundamentally transformed the electoral landscape in the United States and made a significant contribution to the ongoing civil rights movement.