why was the voting act of 1965 necessary?
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was necessary to address and combat the systemic and widespread racial discrimination that Black Americans faced when attempting to exercise their right to vote. Despite the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted voting rights regardless of race or color, discriminatory practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation tactics were employed to prevent Black citizens from voting. These tactics effectively disenfranchised millions of African Americans and severely limited their political participation.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to end these discriminatory practices and ensure equal access to the voting booth for all citizens. It prohibits racial discrimination in voting and provides protection for minority voters, particularly in areas with a history of racial discrimination. The Act prohibits the use of literacy tests and other similar mechanisms that were historically used to prevent Black Americans from voting. Additionally, it authorized federal oversight and intervention in states or regions with a history of discrimination to ensure fair elections.
The Voting Rights Act was pivotal in promoting greater racial equality and justice by removing barriers that prevented Black Americans from exercising their constitutional right to vote. It helped increase voter registration and turnout among minority communities, leading to a more representative democracy and enabling African Americans to have a greater say in the political process. The Act has been crucial in combating racial discrimination and ensuring equal voting rights for all citizens, regardless of their race or ethnicity.