While states have historically created their own voting law requirements, there are certain rights protected by the U.S. Constitution and other federal legislation. Over time changes to the Constitution and federal laws created our voting landscape, guaranteeing voting protections based on race, gender, and other designated categories.

Document C

An excerpt from the 15^th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Ratified February 3, 1870.

“Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

Document D

An excerpt from 24^th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Ratified January 23, 1964

“Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay poll tax or other tax.

Document E

An excerpt from the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Signed into law August 6, 1965.

“AN ACT To enforce the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes…

SEC. 2. No voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or standard, practice, or procedure shall be imposed or applied by any State or political subdivision to deny or abridge the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color…

SEC. 4. (a) To assure that the right of citizens of the United States to vote is not denied or abridged on account of race or color, no citizen shall be denied the right to vote in any Federal, State, or local election because of his failure to comply with any test or device in any State…

(c) The phrase "test or device" shall mean any requirement that a person as a prerequisite for voting or registration for voting demonstrate the ability to read, write, understand, or interpret any matter, demonstrate any educational achievement or his knowledge of any particular subject…”