Barriers to Voting: Past
Age and Voting Rights
Age is the single largest common factor that applies to all people regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. Our age can influence and even determine how we think about politics and the laws that govern us.
This section looks at the history of voting age in America and provides links to research and opinions about how age may influence policy. Read More »
Historic Roots of Felon Disenfranchisement
Historically, governments have limited the voting rights of people with criminal records based on a belief that voting is not a right, but a privilege. The ancient Roman idea that civil death the loss of an individual’s civil rights, typically as punishment for a crime. Read More »
Tools of Voter Suppression: Past
Poll Tax Receipt
Poll Tax Receipt from Alabama; Source: Smithsonian Read More »
Voting and the Military: Gaining Access Through Service
Since the Revolutionary War, people have argued that anyone who has served and was willing to die for their country deserved the right to vote. Read More »
Voting Rights in U.S. Territories
Over the history of the United States, it has acquired territories. It may come as a surprise that the residents of these territories are not afforded the same rights as all U.S. citizens, even though they pay much of the same taxes and many choose to serve in the U.S. armed services. Read More »