Voting: who votes and why
Voting is the most common form of political participation, yet many eligible Americans do not vote.
Expanding the vote
At first, most states let only white male property owners vote. Property requirements faded in the early 1800s. The 15th Amendment (1870) barred racial discrimination in voting, though Southern states used poll taxes, literacy tests, and violence to block Black voters for decades. The 19th Amendment (1920) enfranchised women, the 24th (1964) banned poll taxes in federal elections, and the 26th (1971) lowered the voting age to 18.
Registration and turnout
In most states citizens must register before voting. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, the 'motor voter' law, made registration easier at motor vehicle offices. Turnout is the share of eligible people who vote; it is higher in presidential elections than in midterms and local elections.
Who votes
People with more education and income, older citizens, and those with strong party ties vote at higher rates. Reasons for not voting include lack of time, feeling that one vote does not matter, registration barriers, and lack of interest. Some states have adopted early voting, mail voting, and same-day registration to raise turnout.
Flashcard
The right to vote
Check your understanding
Which amendment banned poll taxes in federal elections?