| Here is a history lesson, this one is the UK. In 1800, the right to vote was based on wealth and gender (male). Less that 3 adults out of every 100 could vote. Since then, there have been some significant changes to the voting regulations: 1832 Reform Act. Extended the right to vote to certain leaseholders and householders. 5 adults out of every 100 could vote. 1867 Second Reform Act. Further extension of the voting regulations in counties and boroughs. 13 adults out of every 100 could vote, but still based on wealth. 1872 Secret Ballot Act. Introduced voting by secret ballot. 1884 Representation of the People Act. Any male occupying land or property with an annual rateable value of £10 could vote. 24 adults out of every 100 could vote. 1918 Representation of the People Act. All males over the age of 21 were given the vote. Women over 30 got the vote. Women could sit in the House of Commons as MPs. 75 adults out of every 100 could vote. 1928 Representation of the People Act. Uniform voting rights were extended to all men and women over the age of 21. 99 adults out of every 100 could vote. 1969 Representation of the People Act. The voting age was reduced to all men and women over the age of 18. 1985 Representation of the People Act. Voters who, at the time of an election, are abroad, either working or on holiday, may apply for a postal vote. 2000 Representation of the People Act. Introduced changes to electoral registration and extended postal vote provisions. In terms of the US you will probably find something similar that for the most part it was land owners only who could vote. |