There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

Why This Matters

The USCIS interviewer wants to know that you understand how the right to vote was expanded in the United States. When the Constitution was first written, only certain people could vote, mostly white men who owned property. Over time, the country added amendments to the Constitution to make voting more fair and open to everyone. This question asks you to describe just one of the four amendments about voting.

The four voting amendments are the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th. The 15th Amendment, passed after the Civil War, said that a male citizen of any race can vote. The 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, gave women the right to vote. The 24th Amendment banned poll taxes, which were fees that prevented poor people from voting. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to eighteen, so younger adults could participate in elections.

These amendments tell the story of a country that kept working to include more voices in its democracy. As a new citizen, you will benefit from all of these changes. Understanding this history helps you appreciate the voting rights you are about to gain.

Key Facts

• The 15th Amendment (1870) gave male citizens of any race the right to vote
• The 19th Amendment (1920) gave women the right to vote
• The 24th Amendment (1964) banned poll taxes so no one has to pay to vote
• The 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age to eighteen
• You only need to describe one of these four amendments to answer correctly

Common Mistakes

• Trying to name the amendment number instead of describing what it does, the question asks you to describe one, not name it by number
• Confusing the voting age amendment (26th) with the Selective Service age requirement
• Forgetting that the question has four possible correct answers, you only need one

Study Tip

Pick the answer that is easiest for you to remember and practice saying it in a full sentence. For example, "Citizens eighteen and older can vote" is short and simple. You do not need to memorize all four amendments, just pick one and know it well enough to say it clearly during your interview.