Discriminatory voting practices have a long and pervasive history in the United States, particularly targeting Black Americans. From the end of the Reconstruction era in the late 19th century up until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, numerous tactics were employed to disenfranchise Black voters and suppress their political power.

One of the most common practices was the use of literacy tests and poll taxes, which were designed to prevent African Americans from registering to vote. These requirements were often implemented in a discriminatory manner, with Black applicants facing much harsher scrutiny and obstacles than white applicants.

Another key tactic was the imposition of strict voter registration requirements, such as residency restrictions and complex registration processes. These measures were deliberately designed to make it difficult for Black citizens to exercise their right to vote.

Additionally, throughout the Jim Crow era, violent intimidation, including acts of terrorism like lynchings, bombings, and other forms of harassment, were used to deter Black voters from participating in elections.

These discriminatory voting practices were intended to maintain white supremacy and political dominance by suppressing Black political power and representation. The struggle against these injustices ultimately led to the Civil Rights Movement and the eventual passage of federal legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to protect the voting rights of all citizens, regardless of race.