What did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 accomplish?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States aimed specifically at addressing and eliminating racial discrimination in voting. This act was a direct response to systemic barriers that marginalized voters, particularly African Americans, and sought to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution.

One of the main achievements of the Act was the prohibition of discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which had historically been used to disenfranchise minority voters. The Act also authorized federal oversight and monitoring of voter registration and elections in areas where there was a history of discrimination, ensuring that all citizens could exercise their right to vote without facing racial barriers.

While the other options touch on aspects of voting rights and regulations, they do not accurately reflect the primary purpose and accomplishment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. For instance, the Act did not mandate voter ID requirements, standardize voting technology, or restrict voting rights for felons; rather, it focused on removing obstacles to voting based on race, which is its most significant contribution to American civil rights.