United States Constitution 24th Amendment

Amendment XXIV (1964)

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.

Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

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The 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1964, represents a pivotal moment in American history by prohibiting the use of poll taxes in federal elections. This important amendment aimed to eliminate barriers to voting and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, could exercise their right to participate in the democratic process. By abolishing poll taxes, the 24th Amendment addressed a long-standing issue of voter discrimination, particularly affecting low-income and minority communities. This significant step towards achieving voting equality has contributed to shaping a more inclusive and equitable electoral system in the United States.