Know Your Rights

Amendments and Laws That Impacted Who Could Vote and How We Vote 

1st Amendment (1791) - The 1st Amendment, passed in 1791, makes a space for people to freely express their opinions and be part of democratic processes. This lets individuals make informed choices and pick from a mix of candidates and laws, promoting fair and open elections. 

14th Amendment (1868) - Created in 1868, the 14th Amendment clearly states that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen and keeps the rights of citizenship safe. This law has rules for equal treatment and fair legal steps, which can be used to challenge unfair voting practices that hurt certain groups, like racial minorities. 

15th Amendment (1870) - Passed in 1870, the 15th Amendment stops the blocking of voting rights based on things like race, color, or past servitude. This rule was made to defend the voting rights of African American men. 

19th Amendment (1920) - Accepted in 1920, the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, ensuring that gender cannot be used as a basis for denying suffrage. 

23rd Amendment (1961) - Made in 1961, the 23rd Amendment lets people who live in the District of Columbia vote in presidential elections. Although D.C. doesn't have full representation in Congress yet, this rule lets them be represented in the presidential vote. 

Civil Rights Act of 1964 - The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is landmark legislation that addresses various forms of discrimination, including racial discrimination in public accommodations and other forms of Jim Crow Laws. While not directly related to voting, it has broader implications for ensuring equal treatment and access for all citizens. 

24th Amendment (1964) - After the Civil War, some states created poll taxes to prevent African American and lower class voters from participating in elections. The 24th Amendment, from 1964, says people can't be charged a tax to vote. 

Voting Rights Act of 1965 - The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a law that prohibits racial discrimination in voting, like the prerequisite of literacy tests. It has been crucial in addressing and preventing voting practices that disproportionately disenfranchise minority voters.

26th Amendment (1971) - Created in 1971, the 26th Amendment changes the voting age from 21 to 18, so people who are 18 years old and older can vote. It was passed largely due to the argument during the Vietnam War that if 18-year-olds could be drafted into the military, they should also have the right to vote.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990 - Made in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public facilities and services, and this includes where people vote and the procedures at voting locations. It's important that every citizen has the resources so that they can vote.

National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Act) of 1993 - The National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Act) of 1993 is designed to simplify the voter registration process, aiming to facilitate citizens' engagement in voting. This law strives to make voter registration more accessible and user-friendly. As a result, individuals can sign up to vote more easily, with the option of registering at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). By streamlining the registration steps, this legislation seeks to enhance citizens' ability to participate in the democratic process.