Right to Vote Amendment

The right to vote is not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution. A handful of phrases in several amendments state a limited number of categories of barriers and discriminatory practices that are dis-allowed. A specific amendment is needed to simply, clearly and categorically state that all US citizens have the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections, for which they meet age and residence requirements, and that imposition of any arbitrary, capricious or discriminatory laws or eligibility criteria to the access of the voting franchise resulting from overt action by government or its elected or appointed officials, or by neglect on their part, or by interference of non-governmental citizens or entities, is a violation of the federal constitution. In the 21st Century Americans should also have explicit constitutional protection against inadequate poll access, waiting for hours in lines, shoddy voting devices, having their names arbitrarily removed from registration rolls, or being misled or intimidated by individuals or organizations working to influence election outcomes. An explicit declaration of each citizen's right to vote takes on new importance and urgency given the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court to review and reconsider continued enforcement of the Voter Rights Act of 1965, the hallmark civil rights achievement of the 20th century. It is clear that creative avenues of discrimination have continued to emerge in the absence of an overarching declaration of every citizen's right to vote and similarly overarching prohibition of any overt or indirect discriminatory practices.