Initiative Vote! (Series 3 of 3)

For those who still choose not to vote, please remember…

Jesus gave His life for us so that we may be saved. With that same God-given spirit, many fought the “overcome battle" with blood, sweat and tears so that we can vote. Now, all citizens—races and genders--of the U.S. can vote. So vote on November 6, 2012.  

“We the People” – affirms that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.

Preamble to the U.S. Constitution 

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution that address voting rights:

14th Amendment – All persons born within the U.S. are citizens and guaranteed rights and privileges (1868)

15th Amendment – No citizen denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude (1870) - gave freed slaves the right to vote (Jim Crow laws started)

19th Amendment - No citizen shall be abridged of their right to vote based on sex.

(1920) - gave women the right to vote

24th Amendment – No poll tax is allowed or failure to pay any other tax shall prevent a person from voting (1964) - eliminated some of the Jim Crow laws

Voting Rights Act of 1965 - barriers to vote were lifted for minorities

"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” Lyndon B. Johnson, 36^th President of the United States (at signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965)

26th Amendment – All persons 18 or older shall not be abridged of their right to vote (1971)