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15th Amendment Ratified
Passed by Congress on February 26th, 1869. Then ratified on February 3th, 1870. Prior to the 15th Amendment, only white men were able to vote. The 15th Amendment came about due to African Americans becoming citizens. So, the right to vote was granted to them. However, this amendment is a general law that no citizen will be denied their voting rights by their race. National Archives -
19th Amendment Ratified
Women had no right to vote for about 140 years of America's history. Women have fought for their rights for many decades through civil disobedience, lobbying, etc. On this date, women are finally granted their well-deserved rights. National Archives -
Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
In the early 1900s, Native Americans were stripped of their land, children were "re-educated", and the belief in Christianity was "highly encouraged" towards these Native Americans. This event was under the Dawes Act. Also during this time, Native Americans who were born in American territory were granted citizenship. Khan Academy -
24th Amendment Ratified
During the Reconstruction era, the 24th Amendment was ratified to increase the expansion of voting rights. So, the elimination of poll taxes was decided. Furthermore, a 1966 court case ruling, Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, ruled that having poll taxes in local, state, and federal elections are ruled as unconstitutional. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
During the Civil War, Southern states made many discriminatory voting practices toward African Americans. So, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed those same discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests. National Archives -
26th Amendment Ratified
The famous slogan, "Old enough to fight, old enough to vote", was brought up amidst World War II. The majority of citizens were confused and angry that the young men going into this war did not have the right to vote, or have an overall voice yet. So, the legal voting age was changed from 21 years old to 18 years old. Rock the Vote -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This is an act that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Citizens with disabilities have more accessible services. More elaboration on the prohibition of discrimination, in areas such as employment, transportation, etc. U.S. Department of Labor -
Motor Voter Law
With the nickname "Motor Voter Law", the National Voter Registration Act is a law where registering to vote is made much easier. Voters are able to register to vote at their nearest BMV. Rock the Vote -
Help America Vote Act
This act enforces many different programs in each state during elections, for example, voting Information, statewide voter registration databases, voter Identification procedures, etc. United States Election Assistance Commissions -
Military and Overseas Empowerment Act
The Military and Overseas Empowerment Act known as the MOVE Act is an act that was expanded off of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, UOCAVA. The MOVE Act ensured that service members have greater protections for themselves, their families, and overseas citizens. U.S. Department of Justice