The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was necessary for several reasons:
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Addressing Discriminatory Practices: Many southern states employed various discriminatory practices, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and understanding clauses, to disenfranchise Black voters and other minority groups. The Act aimed to eliminate these barriers to voting.
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Federal Enforcement of Voting Rights: There was a widespread history of voter suppression and violence against those who tried to exercise their voting rights. The Act provided for federal oversight and enforcement of voting rights in areas with a history of discrimination, ensuring that all citizens could exercise their right to vote without intimidation or obstruction.
These two factors were critical in the push for the Voting Rights Act to ensure fair and equal access to the electoral process for all Americans.