The voting rights act of 1965 did not end discrimination but what did it do

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to address and eliminate racial discrimination in voting.

While it did not completely end discrimination, it played a crucial role in promoting voting rights and reducing barriers that were historically used to disenfranchise minorityvoters, particularly African Americans. The Act accomplished several significant things:

1. **Prohibition of Discriminatory Voting Practices**: The Act outlawed discriminatory practices that were used to prevent minority voters, especially African Americans, from exercising their right to vote. It targeted practices like literacy tests, poll taxes, and other voter suppression tactics that were often used to exclude minorities from the electoral process.

2. **Federal Oversight**: The Act included provisions that allowed the federal government to intervene in states or jurisdictions with a history of discriminatory voting practices. This was known as "preclearance," where certain jurisdictions had to obtain approval from the federal government before making changes to their voting laws or procedures.

3. **Voter Registration Assistance**: The Act authorized federal examiners to register eligible voters in areas with a history of discriminatory voting practices. This provision aimed to ensure that eligible citizens could register and participate in elections without facing discriminatory hurdles.

4. **Language Assistance**: The Act also provided language assistance to non-English-speaking voters, making voting materials and information accessible to minority communities with limited English proficiency.

5. **Expansion of Voting Rights**: The Act's enforcement led to a significant increase in voter registration and voter turnout among African Americans and other minority groups. It empowered these communities to have a more substantial impact on elections and the political process.

6. **Renewal and Amendments**: Over the years, the Voting Rights Act has been renewed and amended to address new challenges and forms of discrimination, ensuring its continued relevance in protecting voting rights.

Despite the significant progress brought about by the Voting Rights Act, discrimination in voting has not been entirely eradicated. In recent years, there have been concerns about the weakening of certain provisions of the Act and the emergence of new voting restrictions in some states. As such, protecting and preserving voting rights remains an ongoing challenge in the United States, with continued efforts needed to promote equal access to the ballot for all eligible citizens.

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