What was the primary objective of the Voting Act of 1965?

The primary objective of the Voting Act of 1965 was to eliminate discrimination in voting based on race and gender. This landmark legislation aimed directly at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans, and other minority groups, from exercising their right to vote. The Act was essential in addressing the systemic inequities and injustices highlighted by the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in states where discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes were used to disenfranchise voters based on their race. By prohibiting such practices, the Voting Act of 1965 provided federal oversight and enforcement mechanisms to protect the voting rights of all citizens, making it a critical moment in the struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States.