Summary
Highlights
Initially, voting rights were restricted to white male landowners over 21. By 1860, most white males over 21 could vote. The 15th Amendment, passed after the Civil War, aimed to prevent denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude, but southern states introduced Black Codes like the grandfather clause, poll taxes, and literacy tests to disenfranchise African Americans. The white primary, which existed in Texas, was eventually struck down by Smith v. Allwright in 1944. Residency requirements were also used to restrict voting, but today they are capped at 30 days for federal elections.
The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, with Wyoming being the first territory to do so. The 26th Amendment, a response to the Vietnam War, lowered the voting age to 18, arguing that if one could fight and die for their country, they should be able to vote. Today, universal suffrage generally means being 18, a US citizen, and a state resident, though certain groups like prisoners or those declared mentally incompetent are still denied the right to vote.
Perceptions of voter fraud vary, with Republicans tending to believe it's more common. However, studies show actual voter fraud is extremely rare, with only about 2,000 accused cases out of billions of votes over 12 years, mostly involving absentee ballot fraud, not in-person voter fraud. The implementation of voter ID laws, which disproportionately affect minorities and the poor, is argued by some to be a partisan tactic to benefit certain candidates rather than address widespread fraud.
Voter turnout in the US, particularly in Texas, is low compared to other developed nations. Reasons for low turnout include elections being held on Tuesdays, voter apathy, the belief that one's vote doesn't count, a lack of awareness about election dates, and 'election burnout' due to frequent election cycles. Historical examples like the 2000 Florida election emphasize the importance of individual votes.
Strategies to increase voter turnout include same-day registration (shown to increase participation), making Election Day a national holiday, offering early voting, and expanding mail-in balloting. The 'motor voter' law allows people to register when getting a driver's license. Some countries, like Australia, have compulsory voting, and online voting is being explored despite security concerns.
Historically, candidates were nominated through caucuses, where party leaders made decisions. Later, the convention system allowed delegates to nominate candidates at county, state, and national levels. The Progressive Era introduced direct primaries, allowing voters to choose party nominees. Primaries can be closed (only for party members) or open (voters can choose which party's primary to vote in). Texas has a hybrid system, where party allegiance is declared at the ballot box. A majority vote is needed in primaries, often leading to runoff elections if no candidate secures over 50%.
General elections are won by a plurality vote (most votes win). Elections are typically run by counties, with ballot formats varying (party column vs. office block). Campaign finance in federal elections has limits on individual donations, but political action committees (PACs) pool money. Candidates can spend unlimited amounts of their own money on their campaigns, a right established in Buckley v. Valeo. In Texas, there are no limits on donations for state races. All campaign finances must be reported and are public record. Super PACs, also known as 'dark money,' allow unlimited, undisclosed donations as long as they don't coordinate directly with campaigns, raising concerns about undue influence.
Generally, people with college degrees and those with a vested interest in government policies (e.g., those receiving government subsidies or working in government-related industries) are more likely to vote.