What is the primary goal of the Voting Rights Act?

The primary goal of the Voting Rights Act is to ensure electoral participation of minorities. Enacted in 1965, the Act specifically aimed to eliminate various forms of discrimination that had been used to disenfranchise African American voters and other racial minorities, particularly in Southern states. Key provisions of the Act included the prohibition of literacy tests, the provision for federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of discriminatory practices, and the requirement for jurisdictions with significant racial discrimination histories to receive federal approval for any changes to their voting laws.

The underlying principle of the Voting Rights Act is to promote equal access to the electoral process, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their race, have the ability to participate fully in elections. This has been essential for advancing civil rights and ensuring that the voices of historically marginalized populations are heard within the democratic framework of the United States.