What was the primary purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

The primary purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. This landmark legislation was a response to the widespread discriminatory practices that prevented many African Americans, particularly in the Southern states, from exercising their right to vote. During this period, tactics such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation were commonly used to disenfranchise black voters.

The Voting Rights Act aimed to ensure that African Americans could register to vote and participate in elections without facing discrimination. It outlawed the discriminatory voting practices that had been used historically and provided for federal oversight in jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination. This federal involvement was crucial to monitoring and protecting the voting rights of marginalized groups.

While the other options mention important aspects related to voting, they do not encapsulate the central objective of the Act as effectively as the elimination of barriers to voting. For instance, while the Act did lead to federal oversight of state elections in places with a history of discrimination, this was a means to the end of ensuring voting access rather than the primary goal itself.