A Captivating Series Of Photos That Will Transform Your Perspective About Voting
Progress toward inclusive voting rights has been slow and often fraught with challenges.
A 28-year-old woman refused to treat voting like a “given,” and her phone screen lit up with a Roaring Gold photo project: people holding signs that spell out when their demographic gained voting rights in the US. It is not a neat timeline. It is a collage of doors opening, then slamming shut again, then reopening with conditions attached.
In the photos, you can see the complicated part immediately. After independence, voting was limited to white men who owned land. Black men gained the vote in 1870 through the 15th Amendment, but voting taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation kept the doors guarded. Women got the right in 1920, but non-white women were blocked for decades, and Native Americans were only granted voting rights after renouncing their tribal ties.
By the time the Voting Rights Act hits in 1965, the signs are already telling you the real story, progress with teeth.
Roaring Gold asked for photos of people holding signs stating when their demographic gained voting rights in the US.
FacebookAfter gaining independence, only white men who owned land were allowed to vote, excluding those who were not wealthy.
FacebookBlack men gained the right to vote in 1870 with the 15th Amendment, but faced obstacles like voting taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation, limiting their ability to vote.
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In 1920, women gained the right to vote, yet discriminatory laws barred non-white women from voting for over 40 years.
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In 1924, Native Americans were given voting rights if they renounced their tribal ties. However, it wasn't until 1962 that those who maintained their heritage could vote.
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In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was enacted to stop discrimination at the polls, particularly targeting people of color, with a significant impact on women of color.
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In 1975, voting materials became available in languages other than English, enabling non-English speakers to vote.
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Residents of U.S. territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico are still awaiting their full political rights despite being American citizens in all other aspects.
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Those first signs, from “white men who owned land” to the 1870 15th Amendment, make it feel like the country kept moving, until you notice who still got left out.
It mirrors the Reddit debate over unequal vacation costs, after a friend unexpectedly added themselves to the plans.
Then the 1920 women’s voting signs show up, and suddenly the “right” has an asterisk for non-white women who were shut out for over 40 years.
In 1924, Native Americans are pictured with conditions attached, and by 1962 the photos reveal how long heritage could be treated like a barrier.
After the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the 1975 push for voting materials in other languages, the final twist lands on Guam and Puerto Rico, still waiting for full political rights.
The history of voting rights in the United States is one of struggle and progress. From the exclusionary practices of the past to ongoing challenges in the present, the fight for inclusive democracy remains as relevant today as ever.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by exercising our right to vote and advocating for the continued expansion of voting rights for all.
The signs do not just track history, they expose who got to participate and who still has to fight for the chance.
For another fairness fight, read why a Redditor refused to split lottery winnings with a non-contributing friend.
