First, the history of voting goes back to the 18th century when our founding fathers were deciding what laws our states should follow. The Articles of Confederation was the original constitution that consisted of some lower-class laws that did not specify as much as the Constitution did. It was a way to set laws for the thirteen states at the time to establish some type of government. According to WPRI.com they mention that the Constitution, “While it was much more descriptive than the Articles, we’ve spent the last 200-or-so years trying to make sense of it—especially when it comes to voting laws, which weren’t really outlined at all” (Towne 2016). This goes to show that even though our founding fathers were very intelligent, they had to come up with a better set of laws – the wonderful Constitution—that would forever change the United States. During the Reconstruction Era, one of the most important amendments arose which was the 15th. This amendment allowed for U.S. citizens would no longer be denied voting based on many reasons like race and color. Although this should’ve allowed African Americans to vote, many southern states thought of this law as a formality.
Another movement that changed voting history was women’s suffrage. According to WomensHistory.org this movement “Under the leadership of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and other women’s rights pioneers, suffragists circulated petitions and lobbied Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to enfranchise women” (NWHM). This movement will never be forgotten because it showed how women came together to also have the same rights that men have. It really showed how people can come together in our country. This movement created one of the most well-known amendments which was the 19th. This amendment allowed women to vote as well. Women were becoming more and more involved with rights during that time. Women had just as much of a right to vote as men, because every vote counts no matter who you are.
Another huge movement that occurred was during the late 1960’s. This movement was known as the Civil Rights movement and was one of the most influential ones in our history. According to History.com “The civil rights movement was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s for blacks to gain equal rights under the law in the United States” (History.com). This movement not only helped African Americans gain equality but helped to show how the world can really change through the course of time. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 also helped to abolish discrimination based on race, color or sex. Following this act came the Voting Rights act which allowed blacks to officially vote. This paved the way for the rest of voting history to unfold itself. All these changes and amendments really set the stage for future changes to the constitution.
For my civic engagement project, I decided to vote for the very first time. This was one of the most fascinating and rewarding times of my life. On November 6th of this year, the midterm elections were held. According to USA.gov “Voters choose one-third of senators and every member of the House of Representatives” (USA.gov). Also, the midterms will decide who control–either Democrats or Republican–each chamber of congress. It was one of the greatest feelings knowing that my vote counts towards these elections. I went to my local polling place and officially voted for the first time in my life. It was such a sensational feeling knowing that I had the right to vote. To know how many people fought for the right to vote and what they went through is very inspiring. Even though one vote seems like it is nothing compared to how many other people vote, but I believe every vote is just as important. One vote could dramatically turn the tables for an election.
Knowing that my vote will help for major decisions in our congress makes me feel like I am helping in just a little way. It really made me feel good about myself knowing that I contributed into our society by voting. I realize that throughout my life there will be many challenges in our country and voting is the only way that will make change. I will continue to vote in the future without a doubt. Knowing that one person can make a change gives me hope that our country will continue to run smoothly. I have learned many morals and values in my life, but voting has taught me how one person can make a change. Now that I am getting older and more responsible, it seems to fit the stage of my life where I should be respectful of the rights I have.
All in all, voting will forever be apart of our lives in some shape or form. There are many times in our history where we can see how voting has affected the lives on this planet. We will never forget the hardships and pain people went through to get this privilege. Our founding fathers created something that will never go away. The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution are perfect examples of our country was trying to create itself with laws and rules that people must follow. Though there have been many changes to these, most of them were for the better. I am vert grateful I had the chance to vote and I will never stop doing it. It is very important for our country and will always be that way.
Works Cited
- “Civil Rights Movement” A&E Television Networks, History.com Retrieved from: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-movement
- “Civil Rights Act of 1964” A&E Television Networks, History.com Retrieved from: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-act
- “Midterm Congressional, State, and Local Elections” E/ A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies, USA.gov Retrieved from: https://www.usa.gov/midterm-state-and-local-elections
- “The Woman Suffrage Movement” National Women’s History Museum, Womenshistory, org Retrieved from: https://www.womenshistory.org/resources/general/woman-suffrage-movement
- Towne, Shaun. “Timeline: A History of Voting Rights in American” WPRI, 7 Nov 2016 Retrieved from: https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/timeline-a-history-of-voting-rights-in-america/1044396599
