What is Voting Rights Act of 1965?

Definition and meaning of Voting Rights Act of 1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that aimed to protect the voting rights of citizens in all states, ensuring that all citizens had an equal right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

This act was a huge step forward in the fight for civil rights, as it eliminated the various obstacles that had been used to deny people of color the right to vote. It established federal oversight role in local and state elections, requiring that certain areas with a history of racial discrimination had to obtain preclearance from the federal government before changing any voting laws. It also provided federal enforcement of voter registration, and the ability to sue for damages in the event of voting rights violations. This act was an important step in the struggle for greater political representation and independent candidates, allowing citizens to choose their representatives without external political influences.