Are you practicing your right to vote?
September 26 is National Voter Registration Day. It reminds us that voting is an important aspect of democracy because the people have a voice in selecting those in power.
There has been a long history in the evolution of American voting. Originally, only white males were allowed to vote. However, amendments were made to the U.S. Constitution to allow everyone to vote. The fifteenth amendment gave African Americans the right to vote in 1870 and the nineteenth amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920. Jim Crow laws were put into place to restrict African Americans and poor individuals from voting; requiring literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and poll taxes. Over time, Jim Crow laws were uprooted, so that outrageous restrictions were not placed on voters. The fight for suffrage makes voting a significant part of American politics. Thanks to the Americans before us, we have the privilege of freely voting without strict requirements.
Voting continues to be modified even today. In 2002, the Help America Vote Act was issued to improve the voting process. Under the HAVA, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission was created. The EAC develops voting guidelines, requirements of the HAVA, and has a national clearinghouse on Election Administration that compiles information and resources to improve future elections. Voting registration were improved to encourage individuals to vote and make a difference in government.
There are a number of ways to respond to the civic responsibility to vote. Registering to vote can be done in physical locations, such as, state or local election offices, department of motor vehicles, and armed services recruitment centers. Registration is also done online where you can also learn more about voting in each state.
Votes hold power, and they are an important way for American citizens to express their political beliefs. Do you remember the election you voted in? Tell us about it in the comments!
- Emily Hancz
September 26 is National Voter Registration Day. It reminds us that voting is an important aspect of democracy because the people have a voice in selecting those in power.
There has been a long history in the evolution of American voting. Originally, only white males were allowed to vote. However, amendments were made to the U.S. Constitution to allow everyone to vote. The fifteenth amendment gave African Americans the right to vote in 1870 and the nineteenth amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920. Jim Crow laws were put into place to restrict African Americans and poor individuals from voting; requiring literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and poll taxes. Over time, Jim Crow laws were uprooted, so that outrageous restrictions were not placed on voters. The fight for suffrage makes voting a significant part of American politics. Thanks to the Americans before us, we have the privilege of freely voting without strict requirements.
Voting continues to be modified even today. In 2002, the Help America Vote Act was issued to improve the voting process. Under the HAVA, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission was created. The EAC develops voting guidelines, requirements of the HAVA, and has a national clearinghouse on Election Administration that compiles information and resources to improve future elections. Voting registration were improved to encourage individuals to vote and make a difference in government.
There are a number of ways to respond to the civic responsibility to vote. Registering to vote can be done in physical locations, such as, state or local election offices, department of motor vehicles, and armed services recruitment centers. Registration is also done online where you can also learn more about voting in each state.
Votes hold power, and they are an important way for American citizens to express their political beliefs. Do you remember the election you voted in? Tell us about it in the comments!
- Emily Hancz
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