Early Voting: Ancient Greece had one of the earliest forms of democracy, since at least 508 BC. Each year, the Greeks had a negative election -- voters were asked to cast a vote for the politician they most wanted to exile for ten years. (wow.... wouldn't THAT change the face of voting in America!)
When America was young, only white males over the age of 21 were allowed to vote.
The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were passed following the Civil War, in the later 1860s. They outlawed slavery and extended civil rights and suffrage (voting rights) to former slaves. The LEGAL right to vote for African-Americans was established, but numerous restrictions kept many blacks from ACTUALLY voting until the 1960s Voting Rights Act.
The 17th Amendment made it so U.S. Senators were directly elected by popular vote. Prior to 1913, Senators were appointed.
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920. This amendment resulted from an international movement of "Suffragettes". (GIRL power! hehehe)
The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. This occurred in 1971, amid the Vietnam War, when 18-year-olds were routinely drafted and sent to war without the right to vote.
As we look to the future, today marks a turning point in our history. And no matter which way the votes turn out, there's a long road ahead; no matter which candidates take office, or which party "rules", our country desperately needs some "home improvements".
Voting is a right, and a privilege. I hope you did your part!
HUGS to everyone!
