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Constitution Ratified
1789- Constitution is ratified. All white, land-owning males could vote -
Religious qualifications dropped
Last religious prerequisite for voting is eliminated. -
Property requirements dropped
1850 Property ownership and tax requirements eliminated by 1850. Almost all adult white males could vote. -
15th Amendment
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. -
19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment guarantees women's suffrage. -
23rd Amendment
The 23rd Amendment allows voters of the District of Columbia to participate in presidential elections. -
23rd Amendment
The 24th Amendment bans the poll tax as a requirement for voting in federal elections. -
Voting Rights Act of 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
The 26th amendment sets the minimum voting age at 18.