Voting Rights

History of Voting Rights in the United States and African-American Struggle

The ultimate end of all freedom is the enjoyment of a right of free suffrage.

"A WATCHMAN," Maryland Gazette, 1776 (qtd. In Keyssar 8)

Voting is the most important process that allows the general public to communicate or refuse to give consent. During the mid-1770s, an innovative epoch began when Americans challenged the Britain's right to rule the colonies. The American Revolution provided the basis of a public debate on the issue of suffrage and its restrictions. During that time period, voting was considered a privilege that the state granted to the citizens in its own interest. However, it was constantly argued that voting was a natural right that could not be deferred by the state. This argument got tremendous support not only from the small farmers and minorities but influential Revolution leaders Ethan Allan, Thomas Young...
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