The History of Voting in America

The history of voting in America was designed and controlled by individual state legislatures.

In 1776 only white men, aged 21 and over who owned land could vote.

In 1868 the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution grants full citizenship rights, including all voting rights, to all men born or naturalized in the United States.

In 1870 the 15th Amendment to the US Consitution eliminates racial barriers to voting. However, many states continued to practice voter discrimination. Poll taxes, literacy tests, fraud, and intimidation still prevented many from voting. native Americans are still denied the right to vote.

In 1910 Washington voters amend the State Constitution, allowing women to vote and run for office.

In 1912 Washinton voters amend the State Constitution, giving citizens to power to propose initiatives and referends.  The first statewide initiative in 1914 bans alcohol sales.

In 1920 the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution is ratified, giving women the right to vote nationwide.

In 1923 Washington State voters pass initiative 40, repealing the poll tax.  Poll taxes were used in many states as a way to discriminate against certain voters.

In 1924 the Indian Citizenship Act granted Native Americans citizenship and voting rights

In 1964 the federal Civil Rights Act was passed to ensure that all men and women age 21 and older, regardless of race, religion, or education, have the right to vote. The 24th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, eliminating poll taxes nationwide.

In 1965 the federal Voting Rights Act suspends literacy tests. Registration and voting rights are now federally enforced.

In 1971 the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution lowers the voting age to 18.

In 1975 the federal Voting Rights Act is renewed, permanently banning literacy tests nationwide. Section 203 is added, requiring translated voting materials in areas with large numbers of citizens with limited English skills.

In 1984 the federal Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act requires polling places to be accessible to people with disabilities.

In 2000 the US Supreme Court decides the Presidential Election after dubious ballot-counting practices call into question Florida’s electoral votes. The incident sparks a national outcry and a wave of election reforms.  The US Census reveals that Washington’s non-English speaking population has grown large enough that some counties must translate voting material sin compliance with the 1975 Voting Rights Act.

In 2008 After a lengthy US Supreme Court battle, Washington enacts the “Top 2 Primary” that allows voters to choose any candidate regardless of party preference.

In 2009 Washington becomes the second state in the US (after Oregon) to vote entirely by mail rather than in person at the polls.

In 2016 about 4 million people are registered to vote in Washington, roughly 68 percent of those eligible.

In 2020 we are in the middle of a global pandemic and what many call a ‘hot mess’ of an election year and Presidential race. We are instituting nationwide mail-in voting, to protect those with COVID 19 and to ensure as many citizens as possible have a chance to vote. Some will say — actually, much say — we are in a pivotal election year with the future of our country at risk depending on the outcome of this election.