Although the U.S. Constitution did not originally define who was eligible to vote allowing each state to determine who was eligible, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1860, stated that citizens could not be denied the right to vote based on their race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1920, guaranteed all American woman the right to vote. In 1971, the 26th Amendment to the Constitution gave 18 year olds the right to vote.
These Amendments help define who had the right to vote. So why IS it important to vote? There are three very good reasons why you should vote today: First, voting in a democracy is important because it allows you to have a voice in who will represent you in Washington D.C.; Second, it holds elected officials accountable for their actions in office; Finally, it prevents a minority from dictating the policies of a majority. So, GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!