What did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 aim to eliminate?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States aimed specifically at eliminating racial discrimination in voting practices, particularly in the southern states. Prior to this act, various discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other barriers were used to disenfranchise African American voters and other minority groups.

The act sought to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ensuring that no one could be denied the right to vote based on their race or color. It provided mechanisms for federal oversight and intervention in states and jurisdictions where discriminatory practices were prevalent, making it a crucial step toward achieving greater electoral equity and civil rights.

By actively addressing these injustices, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 played a vital role in expanding democratic participation and ensuring that all citizens have an equal opportunity to engage in the electoral process. This focus on ending racial discrimination in voting is what makes this choice the correct answer in the context of the legislation's purpose.