Voting Rights in 19th

The original Constitution left voting primarily to the states. While most states excluded women from the ballot box, suffragists worked within the existing system to secure voting rights one state at a time. They also pushed for a national amendment, culminating in the 19th Amendment, which banned gender discrimination in voting and transformed the Constitution forever.

Universal suffrage vs. women’s suffrage
15th Amendment serves as a model
Carrie Chapman Catt recalls the long battle for the ballot
Dec 7, 1868
Sen. Pomeroy brings Kansas proposal to the Senate

The basis of suffrage in the United States shall be that of citizenship, and all native or naturalized citizens shall enjoy the same rights and privileges of the elective franchise; but each State shall determine by law the age of the citizen and the time of residence required for the exercise of the right of suffrage, which shall apply equally to all citizens, and also shall make all laws concerning the time, places, and manner of holding elections.

Dec 8, 1868
Rep. Julian proposes universal suffrage

The right of suffrage in the United States shall be based upon citizenship, and shall be regulated by Congress; and all citizens of the United States, whether native or naturalized, shall enjoy this right equally, without any distinction or discrimination whatever founded on race, color, or sex.

Jan 29, 1869
Sen. Pomeroy advances a proposal for universal suffrage

The right of citizens of the United States to vote and hold office shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State for any reasons not equally applicable to all citizens of the United States.

Mar 15, 1869
Rep. Julian proposes women's suffrage

The right of suffrage in the United States shall be based upon citizenship, and shall be regulated by Congress; and all citizens of the United States, whether native or naturalized, shall enjoy this right equally, without any distinction or discrimination whatever founded on sex.

Jan 10, 1878
Sen. Sargent introduces a women's suffrage amendment

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. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Jul 10, 1882
Rep. White supports taking action on women's suffrage

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. The Congress shall have power by appropriate legislation to enforce the provisions of this article.

Mar 28, 1884
Senate committee recommends amendment

The right of suffrage in the United States shall be based on citizenship, and 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, or for any reason not equally applicable to all citizens of the United States. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Mar 19, 1914
Sen. Vardaman pushes for state control of voting

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. But in all other respects the right of citizens to vote shall be controlled by the State wherein they reside.

Mar 19, 1914
Sen. Williams supports limitations on suffrage

The right of white 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.

Mar 20, 1914
Sen. Shafroth proposes voting guidelines for the states

Whenever any number of legal voters of any State, to a number exceeding 8 per cent of the number of legal voters voting at the last preceding general election held in such State, shall petition for the submission to the legal voters of said State of the question whether women shall have equal rights with men in respect to voting at all elections to be held in such State, such question shall be so submitted, and if, upon such submission, a majority of the legal voters of the State voting on the question shall vote in favor of granting to women such equal rights, the same shall thereupon be deemed established anything in the constitution or laws of such State to the contrary notwithstanding.

Jun 4, 1919
19th Amendment Final Text

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. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.