Voting Rights Timeline by Alexander Dye

Declaration of Independence/Constitution (Rise of Democratic Politics)

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:56 UTC

The rise of democratic politics started in the Americas, with major milestones being the Declaration of Independence. This was between 1776 and 1787. These documents helped cement major democratic principles in our government, and this was a huge development in democracy around the world.

15th Amendment

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:57 UTC

This was an amendment to the constitution that granted suffrage to American citizens regardless of race. This amendment was passed in 1870 following the American Civil War. People's voting rights are protected regardless of race due to this amendment.

VRA reauthorization

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:57 UTC

The VRA was passed in 1965, and was reauthorized in 1975. This extended the effects of the legislation passed in 1965, and provided voting protection for colored Americans.

19th Amendment

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:57 UTC

The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote, a landmark achievement in the fight for gender equality in the United States. This victory came after decades of advocacy and struggle by the women's suffrage movement. This Amendment was passed in 1920 after years of struggle from advocates around the world.

Voting Rights Act Signed

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:58 UTC

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is an important piece of legislation that combats racial discrimination in voting. This eliminates barriers such as literacy tests and polling tax, protecting African Americans and other minorities to participate more fully in the democratic process. This legislation was passed in 1965.

26th Amendment

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:58 UTC

The 26th Amendment lowers the voting age from 21 to 18. Legislators believed that those who are old enough to be drafted for war should also have the right to vote. This change is influenced by the ongoing Vietnam War and active youth involvement in politics. This legislation was passed in 1971.

Indian Citizenship Act of 1924

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:59 UTC

This was an act passed in 1924 that secured the right to naturalization for Native Americans. The law claims all Native Americans who were born in the US to be citizens of the US, therefore protecting voting rights for Native Americans.

24th Amendment

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 17:51:59 UTC

The 24th Amendment is a protection against poll tax during federal elections. This protects poorer Americans' from avoiding voting due to the cost. This legislation was passed in 1964

23rd Amendment

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 18:11:44 UTC

This Amendment was passed in 1968. This legislation extends the right to vote to US citizens that live in the District of Columbia. This protects the right to vote for American citizens that live outside of the US, specifically in the District of Columbia.

McCarran Walter Act of 1952

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 18:41:43 UTC

Also known as the immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, this legislation prevented the blanket exclusion of immigrants based on race or originality. This protected immigrants and their suffrage rights.

Voting Accessibility for Elderly and Handicapped Act

adye0729_ — 2024-03-08 18:45:18 UTC

This helps voting areas be accessible to those that are handicapped or elderly that would have trouble voting otherwise. This legislation was passed in 1984 and guaranteed all voting centers were accessible to all.