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How have voting rights evolved throughout history, and what impact has this had on democracy?

Megan Votier

Voting rights have come a long way throughout history, especially for marginalized groups like women and people of color. In the United States, the right to vote was first granted to white male landowners, with all other groups having to fight for suffrage over time.

The Women’s Suffrage Movement, led by notable figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, fought for women’s right to vote for over 70 years before the 19th Amendment was finally passed in 1920. This was a major victory for women, who had previously been denied a voice in political matters.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was another significant moment in American voting history. This act aimed to eliminate discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which had previously been used to prevent people of color from voting. This legislation was instrumental in expanding voting rights to more diverse communities and is still considered a landmark achievement in the fight for democracy.

However, despite these important advancements, there are still barriers that prevent certain groups from fully exercising their right to vote. For example, many Native American communities face obstacles such as language barriers, lack of access to polling stations, and voter ID laws that disproportionately affect them. Additionally, the mass incarceration of Black and Brown Americans – a phenomenon often known as the “prison industrial complex” – strips them of their voting rights, leaving them voiceless in the political process.

Ultimately, the evolution of voting rights has had a profound impact on democracy. By expanding the franchise to include a more diverse range of voices, we have built a stronger and more inclusive democracy. However, there is still significant work to be done in order to ensure that every person’s vote is counted and that every voice is heard.