Voting Rights

Constitution is Ratified

Oct 2, 1789

All white, land owning males could vote

Religious qualifications dropped

Oct 3, 1810

Last religious prerequistie for voting is eliminated

Property requirements dropped

Oct 4, 1850

Property ownership and tax requirements eliminated by 1850 and almost all adult white males could vote

15th Amendment

Oct 2, 1867

The 15th Amendment is passed. It gives former slaves the right to vote and protects the voting rights of adult male citizens of any race

19t Amendment

Oct 5, 1920

The 19th A,endment guarantees women's suffrage

23rd Amenment

Oct 6, 1961

Allows voters of Columbia District to participate in presidental elections

24th Amendment

Oct 2, 1964

Bans the tax poll as a requirement for voting in federal elections

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Oct 2, 1965

The Voting Rights Act protects the rights of minority voters and eliminates voting barriers such as the literacy test. The Act is expanded and renewed in 1970, 1975, and 1982.

26th Amendment

Oct 2, 1971

Sets the minimum age to vote at 18