Constitutional Civic Issues Check In _ Voting Rights
Voting Rights
● Definition: The right of citizens to vote in elections, a fundamental aspect of
democratic governance.
Historical Background
● Early Restrictions: Initially, voting was restricted to white male property owners in
many states.
● Expansion Over Time: Voting rights expanded through constitutional
amendments, legislation, and social movements.
Key Constitutional Amendments
1. 15th Amendment (1870)
● Content: Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or
previous condition of servitude.
● Impact: Extended voting rights to African American men, though
enforcement was weak and obstructed by discriminatory practices.
2. 19th Amendment (1920)
● Content: Grants women the right to vote.
● Impact: A result of the women's suffrage movement, significantly
expanded the electorate.
3. 24th Amendment (1964)
● Content: Prohibits the use of poll taxes in federal elections.
● Impact: Removed a significant barrier to voting for low-income individuals,
especially African Americans in the South.
4. 26th Amendment (1971)
● Content: Lowers the voting age from 21 to 18.
● Impact: Expanded the electorate to include younger citizens, reflecting the
argument that those old enough to be drafted for war should be able to
vote.
Key Legislation
● Voting Rights Act of 1965
● Purpose: Aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels
that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote under
the 15th Amendment.
● Key Provisions: Banned literacy tests, provided for federal oversight and
enforcement in areas with a history of discriminatory practices, and
required jurisdictions with significant voting changes to obtain federal
approval (preclearance).
● Impact: Significantly increased voter registration and participation among
African Americans and other minorities.
Key Supreme Court Cases
● Shelby County v. Holder (2013)
● Decision: Struck down the coverage formula of the Voting Rights Act that
determined which jurisdictions required preclearance.
● Impact: Led to changes in voting laws in several states, sparking debates
over voter suppression and the need for new protections.
Modern Issues and Challenges
● Voter ID Laws: Some states require government-issued identification to vote,
which proponents argue prevents fraud and opponents argue disenfranchises
vulnerable populations.
● Gerrymandering: Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one party,
affecting the fairness of representation.
● Voting Accessibility: Efforts to ensure all citizens can vote, including early voting,
mail-in ballots, and provisions for people with disabilities.
● Voter Suppression: Practices that aim to limit or discourage certain groups from
voting, including purging voter rolls, limiting polling places, and implementing
strict ID requirements.
● Felon Disenfranchisement: Laws that restrict voting rights for individuals with
felony convictions, with varying rules across states.
Importance and Impact
● Democratic Participation: Voting is a cornerstone of democracy, allowing citizens
to influence government and policy.
● Civil Rights: The struggle for voting rights has been a central aspect of the
broader fight for civil rights and equality.
● Representation: Ensures diverse voices and perspectives are included in the
political process, leading to more equitable and responsive governance.
Notable Movements and Figures
● Civil Rights Movement: Advocated for the end of discriminatory practices and the
enforcement of voting rights for African Americans.
● Women's Suffrage Movement: Fought for and achieved the right to vote for
women with the 19th Amendment.
● Modern Advocates: Organizations and individuals continue to work toward
expanding and protecting voting rights for all citizens.
