How US voting system evolved from the days of George Washington to become more inclusive

| Nov 23, 2023, 07:00:00 PM | TOI.in
  • Share
In the early years, voting rights in the US were exclusive, limited to privileged landowners. George Washington's election exemplified this elite participation. Notable changes came with the 7th President, Andrew Jackson, although women remained excluded until 1920. The 19th Amendment marked a pivotal moment, recognizing women's crucial role in democracy. Despite this landmark, further steps were required for true inclusivity, a transformation led by President Lyndon Johnson four decades later. In the mid-1960s, the U.S. enacted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a pivotal legislation aimed at eradicating racial discrimination in voting prevalent in Southern states post-Civil War. The Act, responding to practices like literacy tests, safeguarded the voting rights of African Americans and other minorities, fostering greater inclusivity in elections.In subsequent decades, the American voting population has undergone significant diversification. Ongoing initiatives to dismantle barriers faced by marginalized communities in voting have gained momentum, contributing to the evolution of a more inclusive electorate.

Top Viral Videos