Voting is a part of self-government and allows the people to select their government officials. The U.S. Constitution outlines who is eligible to vote. The 15th Amendment ensures suffrage cannot be denied because of color or race. Similarly, the 19th Amendment ensures that gender cannot be the grounds for denying suffrage, just as the 26th Amendment ensures suffrage to those who are 18 or older. Within these constitutional requirements, states have varied laws concerning voting. Some prevent convicted criminals, especially felons, from voting for a period of time or indefinitely.
Theme
Topic
LOC Resource
LOC Title
American Treasures of the Library of Congress: Abolition and Suffrage
LOC Short Description
This list contains a series of sources from the Library of Congress that document various moments in the history of the struggle for abolition and suffrage.
LOC Title
Primary Documents in American History: 15th Amendment to the Constitution
LOC Short Description
A list of resources about the 15th Amendment.
LOC Title
Voices, Votes, Victory: Presidential Campaign Songs
LOC Short Description
This exhibit explores American elections through the history of campaign songs.