1. American Government
Chapter 6
Section 1

2. Voting Rights Suffrage – the right to vote
Franchise – the ability to vote
Disenfranchise – Removing the ability to vote

3. First Stage of Restriction
Religion
Property Ownership
Tax Payment Qualification

4. Second Stage of Restriction
Race or Color
Eliminated de jure with the 15th Amendment, 1870
Existed de facto at least 90 years later

5. Third Stage of Restriction
Sex or Gender
Eliminated with the 19th Amendment, 1920
Applies to National Elections primarily
Most Western states already allowed female suffrage in local elections

6. Fourth Stage of Restriction
Civil Rights Movement (not revolution)
Voting Rights Act of 1965
23rd Amendment, 1961, gives D.C. 3 electoral votes
24th Amendment, 1964, eliminates poll tax

7. Age Requirement 26th Amendment, 1971, lowers voting age to 18
Can be drafted at age 18, but could not vote until 21

8. Voting Qualifications
Federal Guidelines
State (Local) Rules