Voting Rights

Only people who own land can vote

Dec 10, 1776

Declaration of Independence signed. Right to vote during the Colonial and Revolutionary periods is restricted to property owners-- most of whom are white male Protestantd over the age of 21.

All white male citizens can vote

Dec 10, 1856

Naturalization Law passed. It explicitly syayes that only "free white" immigrants can become naturalized citizens

Vote cannot be denied because of race, etc.

Dec 12, 1870

15th amendment passed. it states that the right to vote cannot be denied by the federal or state governments based on race. Soon after states made up tests or rules so blacks cannot vote, like poll tax, literacy test, and the grandfather clause

Women try to vote

Dec 12, 1872

Susan B. Anthoney is arrested and brought into trial in Rochester, NY, for attempting to vote in the presidential election. At the same time, Sojourner Truth, a former slave andadvocatefor justice andequality, appears at a polling booth in grand rapids, Michigan, demanding a ballot but she was turned away

Wyoming the first state to allow women to vote

Dec 12, 1890

Wyoming admitted to statehood and becomes the first state to legislate voting for women in its constitution.

women lead voting rights marches

Dec 12, 1912

Women lead voting rights marches through New York and Washington D.C. 1912-13

Military Service= Citizenship for Native Americans

Dec 12, 1919

Native Americans who served in the military during WW1 are granted U.S citizenship

Right to vote extended to women

Dec 12, 1920

19th amendment passed, giving women right to vote in both state and federal elections

Asian ancestry rights to become citizens

Dec 12, 1952

McCarran-Walter Act grants all people of Asian ancestry the right to become citizens

no tax on vote

Dec 12, 1964

24th amendment was passed to end poll taxes