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1789- Constitution is ratified. All white, land-owning males could vote
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Last religious prerequisite for voting is eliminated.
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1850 Property ownership and tax requirements eliminated by 1850. Almost all adult white males could vote.
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The 15th Amendment is passed. It gives former slaves the right to vote and protects the voting rights of adult male citizens of any race.
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The 19th Amendment guarantees women's suffrage.
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The 23rd Amendment allows voters of the District of Columbia to participate in presidential elections.
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The 24th Amendment bans the poll tax as a requirement for voting in federal elections.
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The Voting Rights Act protects the rights of minority voters and eliminates voting barriers such as the literacy test. The Act is expanded and renewed in 1970, 1975, and 1982.
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The 26th amendment sets the minimum voting age at 18.