<P> Following the Reconstruction Era until the culmination of the Civil Rights Movement, Jim Crow laws such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and religious tests were some of the state and local laws used in various parts of the United States to deny immigrants (including legal ones and newly naturalized citizens), non-white citizens, Native Americans, and any other locally "undesirable" groups from exercising voting rights granted under the constitution . Because of such state and local discriminatory practices, over time, the federal role in elections has increased, through amendments to the Constitution and enacted legislation . These reforms in the 19th and 20th centuries extended the franchise to non-whites, those who do not own property, women, and those 18--21 years old . </P> <P> Since the "right to vote" is not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution except in the above referenced amendments, and only in reference to the fact that the franchise cannot be denied or abridged based solely on the aforementioned qualifications, the "right to vote" is perhaps better understood, in layman's terms, as only prohibiting certain forms of legal discrimination in establishing qualifications for suffrage . States may deny the "right to vote" for other reasons . For example, many states require eligible citizens to register to vote a set number of days prior to the election in order to vote . More controversial restrictions include those laws that prohibit convicted felons from voting, even those who have served their sentences . Another example, seen in Bush v. Gore, are disputes as to what rules should apply in counting or recounting ballots . </P> <P> A state may choose to fill an office by means other than an election . For example, upon death or resignation of a legislator, the state may allow the affiliated political party to choose a replacement to hold office until the next scheduled election . Such an appointment is often affirmed by the governor . </P> <P> The Constitution, in Article VI, clause (paragraph) 3, does state that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States". </P>

Where is the right to vote in the constitution