Which landmark legislation was signed into law to prohibit denying the right to vote based on literacy tests?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was crucial legislation aimed at eliminating various forms of voter suppression that were systematically used, particularly in the Southern United States. One of the most significant measures included in this Act was the prohibition against literacy tests, which had been employed to disenfranchise racial minorities, especially African Americans. Literacy tests often included complicated readings and were applied subjectively, effectively excluding many eligible voters based on their reading skills or education level.

By banning literacy tests, the Voting Rights Act directly addressed the barriers that prevented many citizens from exercising their right to vote. This legislation not only aimed to ensure that all citizens could participate in the electoral process but also established federal oversight and monitoring of voter registration and election procedures in areas where discriminatory practices were historically prevalent. This Act represents a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, affirming the federal government's commitment to safeguarding voting rights for all citizens.