<Li> Representation of the People Act 1969--extension of suffrage to those 18 and older . </Li> <P> The Constitution did not originally define who was eligible to vote, allowing each state to decide this status . In the early history of the U.S., most states allowed only white male adult property owners to vote (about 6% of the population). By 1856 property ownership requirements were eliminated in all states, giving suffrage to most adult white males . However, tax - paying requirements remained in five states until 1860 and in two states until the 20th century . </P> <P> After the Civil War, five amendments to the Constitution were expressly addressed to the "right to vote"; these amendments limit the basis upon which the right to vote in any U.S. state or other jurisdiction may be abridged or denied . </P> <Ul> <Li> 15th Amendment (1870): "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude ." </Li> <Li> 19th Amendment (1920): "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex ." </Li> <Li> 23rd Amendment (1961): provides that residents of the District of Columbia can vote for the President and Vice President . </Li> <Li> 24th Amendment (1964): "The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax ." </Li> <Li> 26th Amendment (1971): "The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age ." </Li> </Ul>

Citizen who has a legal right to vote