The Fifteenth Amendment is specifically dedicated to protecting the right of all citizens to vote, regardless of race.įor practical purposes, this was not the end of the voting rights struggle for African Americans. These amendments provided that all male citizens, regardless of their race, must receive equal treatment under the law and not be deprived of their rights without due process. The franchise was first extended to African Americans under the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution, passed during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War.

The path to full voting rights for all American citizens was long and often challenging. In every state except North Dakota, citizens must register to vote, and laws regarding the registration process vary by State. Today, citizens over the age of 18 cannot be denied the right to vote on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. This shameful injustice has been corrected and voting rights have been extended several times over the course of our history. Originally under the Constitution, only white male citizens over the age of 21 were eligible to vote. One of the most important rights of American citizens is the franchise-the right to vote. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.

Grandfather clause history definition