This booklet highlights the history of voting in America, about The federal Civil Rights Act, the role of the supreme court, voting control, and Amendments.
1. History of Voting in America Voting is controlled The 15th Amendment 1870 by individual state to the U.S. Constitution legislatures. Only white eliminates racial barriers men age 21 and older to voting; however, who own land can vote. many states continue practicing voter discrimination. Poll taxes, literacy tests, fraud, and intimidation still prevent many from voting. Native Americans are still denied the right to vote. The 19th The Indian 1924 1920 Amendment Citizenship Act to the U.S. grants Native Constitution is Americans ratified, giving citizenship and women the voting rights. right to vote nationwide. The 14th Amendment Washington State 1868 1923 to the U.S. Constitution voters pass Initiative 40, grants full citizenship rights, repealing the poll tax. including voting rights, to all Poll taxes are used in men born or naturalized in many states as a way the United States. to discriminate against certain voters. Washington voters amend 1912 the State Constitution, giving citizens the power to propose initiatives and referenda; the first statewide initiative in 1914 bans alcohol sales. Washington voters amend 1910 the State Constitution, allowing women to vote and run for office. 8 Teaching Elections in Washington State
2. 1964 The federal Civil Rights Act is passed to ensure that all men and women age 21 and older, regardless of race, religion, or education, have the right to vote. The 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, eliminating poll taxes nationwide. The federal Voting Rights The U.S. Supreme Court decides the Presidential 1965 Act suspends literacy tests. 2000 Election after dubious ballot counting practices call into Registration and voting rights question Florida’s electoral votes. The incident sparks are now federally enforced. national outcry and a wave of election reforms. The U.S. Census reveals that Washington’s non-English speaking population has grown large enough that some counties must translate voting materials in compliance with the 1975 Voting Rights Act. The 26th The federal Voting About 4 million 1971 1984 Today Amendment to the Accessibility for people are U.S. Constitution the Elderly and registered to vote lowers the voting Handicapped Act in Washington, age to 18. requires polling places roughly 68 percent to be accessible to of those eligible. people with disabilities. Washington becomes the 2009 second state in the U.S. (after Oregon) to vote entirely by mail rather The federal Voting 1975 than in person at the polls. Rights Act is renewed, permanently banning literacy tests nationwide. After a lengthy U.S. Supreme 2008 Section 203 is added, Court battle, Washington requiring translated voting enacts the “Top 2 Primary” materials in areas with that allows voters to choose large numbers of citizens any candidate regardless of with limited English skills. party preference. Office of the Secretary of State 9
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