The Voting Rights Act is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States, passed in 1965. Its primary goal is to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race, have the right to participate in elections. The Act aimed to address the barriers that prevented African Americans and other minority groups from voting, such as literacy tests and poll taxes. The Act has undergone several amendments and reauthorizations since its inception, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect voting rights. Key provisions include federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of discrimination and the requirement for jurisdictions to receive federal approval before changing voting laws.