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Poll taxing begins
Southern states began to issue a poll tax so that African Americans were unable to vote. Most of them were very poor, and voting was expensive. Even though they had just gained suffrage in 1870, it was nearly impossible for them to do so. It was almost as if they didn't have the right to vote in the first place. Voting became a luxury for the wealthy, and the poor peoples' voices were not heard. -
Poll Taxing becomes official
All 11states of the former Confederacy had enacted an offical poll tax. They also used tactics such as literacy tests and "voter assessments" to ensure minorities were not able to vote. -
Breedlove vs. Suttles
Up until this point, poll taxing was ignored by the federal government. This case, however, challenged poll taxing. They ruled that it was constitutional. "The privilege of voting is not derived from the United States, but is conferred by the state and, save as restrained by the 15th and 19th Amendments and other provisions of the Federal Constitution, the state may condition suffrage as it deems appropriate." In short, it is up the the state governments, not the federal. -
New Bill
A bill to abolish poll taxing was proposed. It repeatedly was shot down and re-proposed during the next few Congresses. The southern states would not budge on their stance for poll taxing. It came closest to being passed in 1936, but was just shy of the 2/3 requirement. An amendment was considered at the time, but the idea never progressed. -
Smith vs. Allwright
This case overturned the Democratic Party's use of all-white primaries in Texas, and other states where this rule was used. The court agreed that the all-white primary denied Smith (the instigator of this case) his protection under the law and ruled in his favor. -
Issue is at a Stand-Still
During the 1950's the issue of poll taxing was put on the back-burner. At this time, the majority of the country was more anti-communist than they were anti-poll tax. Although the movement towards no poll taxing was still in the works, it wasn't on the top of the agenda. -
Kennedy becomes President
John F. Kennedy was elected into office. He brought the issue of poll taxing back into public awareness. He decided to make it a constitutional amendment rather than propose a bill. -
Amendment is Officially Proposed
The 24th Amendment is officially proposed by Congress. It was then submitted to the states on September 24th for ratification. -
State Ratification Begins
Illinois becomes the first state to ratify the 24th amendment. 37 more states followed suit with South Dakota being the last on January 23, 1964. As you would assume, the southern states chose not to ratify. Mississippi even decided to specifically reject the amendment on December 20, 1962. The amendment was later ratified by Virginia (1977), North Carolina (1989), Alabama (2002), and Texas (2009). The amendment still has yet to be ratified by 8 states. -
The 24th Amendment is Ratified
Poll taxing is officially banned. Everyone is now able to easily vote without having to pay or be otherwise prohibited to vote. Yay!
