The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in United States history. It aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed by the 15th Amendment to the Constitution. The Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965.

The Voting Rights Act had several key provisions, including the outlawing of literacy tests and other discriminatory voting practices that were used to disenfranchise Black voters. It also authorized federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of voter suppression and required these jurisdictions to obtain federal approval for any changes to their voting laws.

In the years following the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Black voter registration and turnout increased significantly, leading to greater representation of African Americans in government at all levels. However, over time, certain provisions of the Act were weakened or struck down by the Supreme Court, leading to a resurgence of voter suppression efforts targeting minority communities.

In 2006, the Voting Rights Act was reauthorized by Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, but in 2013, the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Shelby County v. Holder struck down the formula used to determine which jurisdictions were subject to federal oversight, effectively gutting a key provision of the Act.

Efforts to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act continue to this day, as ensuring access to the ballot for all citizens, regardless of race, remains a crucial issue in the ongoing fight for civil rights and social justice.