<Li> Representation of the People Act 1948--the act was passed to prevent plural voting . </Li> <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>

Who had the right to vote in british colonies