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Constitution is ratified
Supreme law of the land -
Religious qualifications dropped
Last religious prerequisite for voting is eliminated -
Property requirements dropped
Property ownership and tax requirements eliminated by 1850. Almost all adult white males could vote. -
15th Amendment
It gives former slaves the right to vote and protects the voting rights of adult male citizens of any race. -
19th Amendment
Women's right to vote -
23rd Amendment
Allows voters of the District of Columbia to participate in presidential elections. -
24th Amendment
Bans the poll tax as a requirement for voting in federal elections. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
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
Sets the minimum voting age at 18.