Voting Rights in the United States

Constitution is Ratified

Mar 5, 1789

Constitution allows people to vote

Religious Qualifications Dropped

Mar 5, 1810

The last religious prerequisite for voting is eliminated

Property Requirements Dropped

Mar 5, 1850

Property ownership requirements eliminated. Almost all white males could vote.

15th Amendment

Mar 5, 1867

Gives former slaves the right to vote. Protects the voting rights of adult male citizens of any race.

19th Amendment

Mar 5, 1920

Woman's suffrage.

23rd Amendment

Mar 5, 1961

Allows voters of the District of Columbia ti participate in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Mar 5, 1964

Bans the poll tax as a requirement for voting in federal elections.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Mar 5, 1965

Protects the rights of minority voters and eliminates voting barriers such as the literacy test.

26th Amendment

Mar 5, 1971

Sets the minimum voting age at 18.