Policy Connection
Chronology of the Right to Vote: The United States Constitution
1804: 12th Amendment
Concerns the process by which electors shall vote for the President and Vice-President
of the Unites States.
1868: 14th Amendment
Section 1: Defines what it is to be a U.S. citizen: “all persons born
or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,
are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” This
confirms that African-Americans are indeed U.S. citizens.
Section 2: Discusses apportionment for representatives. Makes clear
that the vote lies with male citizens 21 years of age and older. This
de facto legitimizes the exclusion of women from politics.
1870: 15th Amendment
Section 1: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall
not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account
of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
This implicitly leaves open restrictions based on property, literacy,
tax-paying status, etc.
1913: 17th Amendment
Section 1: Provides for the direct election of United States senators.
1920: 19th Amendment
Section 1: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall
not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account
of sex.”
1961: 23rd Amendment
Washington, D.C. gains electors for presidential elections.
1964: 24th Amendment
Section 1: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any
primary or other election for President or Vice-President, for electors of
President or Vice-President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress,
shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason
of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.”
1971: 26th Amendment
Section 1: “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen
years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United
States or by any State on account of age.”
