The history of the vote in the United States is complicated. Most constitutional scholars agree that while there is no explicit right to vote in the U.S. Constitution, there is language within the document establishing the franchise for property owners -- a demographic that mostly excluded women, young adult men and formerly enslaved individuals, and completely excluded Native Americans and men not wealthy enough to own property. Over time, the right to vote has been expanded to include formerly enslaved people (an advance that was essentially erased by Jim Crow laws), Native Americans, women, African Americans and young adults age 18 and up. Below are a few suggestions for further reading on the long and winding road to universal enfranchisement and the right to vote in the United States.
"Adding the Right to Vote to the Constitution" - Benen, Steve (2014) The MaddowBlog
"Expanding the Vote: State Felony Disenfranchisement Reform, 1997-2008" - King, Ryan S. (2008) The Sentencing Project
The Politics of Disenfranchisement: Why is it So Hard to Vote in America? Scher, Richard K. (2015)
"The Right to Vote: A Constitutional History" - National Constitution Center (video) (2020)
"Voting Rights in America -Classroom Learning Materials" - National Constitution Center (2022)
"U.S. Voting Rights Timeline" - KQED/Northern California Citizenship Project (2004)
"Voting: Right or Privilege?"- Epps, Garrett (2012) The Atlantic.
"What Does the Constitution Actually Say About Voting Rights?" - Epps, Garrett (2013) The Atlantic.
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia offers free in-person and virtual discussions on topics related to voting rights and the Constitution. They also have free educational programs that include both professional learning opportunities for educators and classroom resources for K-12 instruction. The Center is a nonpartisan institution dedicated to serving as "America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate." Search the calendar on the Constitution Center website for more details or sign up for their newsletter.
