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

The primary goal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act was to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. This landmark legislation was enacted in response to widespread discriminatory practices that disenfranchised African American voters, particularly in the Southern states. Tools such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other restrictive measures were employed to prevent African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

The Act aimed to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, would have equal access to the electoral process. It empowered the federal government to intervene in states where discriminatory practices were identified and prohibited voting discrimination on the basis of race or color. As a result, the Voting Rights Act represented a significant step toward achieving racial equality in voting and was crucial in increasing voter registration and participation among African Americans.

Thus, the legislation's focus on removing systemic barriers directly aligns with its overarching goal of protecting the voting rights of African Americans and promoting fair access to the democratic process.