-
Religious qualifications, instituted in colonial days, quickly disapeared. No state had religious test for voting since 1810. One by one states began to eliminate property ownership and tax payment qualifications. Around mid-century almost all white males had the right to vote in every state.
-
Wyoming gave women the right to vote in 1869, which still was a territory. By 1920 more then half of the states followed their lead.
-
The second major effect to broaden the voting rights followed the Civil War. The 15th amendment was ratified in 1870. This allowed voting for all men. They could not be told they couldn't vote based on race or color. However, ways were found around this amendment and caused problems for African Americans.
-
The third amendment was ratified in 1920. This allowed for women to finally vote. They couldn't be told they weren't allowed to vote because of their sex. It's ratification in 1920 became the third expansion of suffrage.
-
Federal legislation and court decisions focused on securing African Americans a full role in the voting process in all states. Passsage and vigorous enforcement of the number of Civil Rights Acts, a new act came into play.
-
The 23rd amendment was passed in 1961 which added voters of the District of Columbia to presidential electorate.
-
The 24th amendment was ratified in 1964. This eliminated poll tax and other taxes as a condition for voting in any federal election.
-
The Voting Rights Act helped keep and secure racial equality in polling booths throughout the whole country.
-
The fifth and latest expansion was the adoption of the 26th amendment in 1971. This amendment allowed that no state can set a minimum to age voting at more then 18 years of age. Only people 18 or older have the right to vote.
