Voices and Votes

Voting rights and accessibility have been an ongoing conversation in American history, with leaders like President Benjamin Harrison advocating for expanded participation. During the Civil War, Harrison fought for the Union and admired President Lincoln’s vision for equality. After the war, the 15th Amendment granted Black men the right to vote, but obstacles like literacy tests and poll taxes restricted access. President Harrison supported the Federal Elections Bill of 1890, which aimed to dismantle these barriers and enforce voting rights. Beyond his presidency, Benjamin Harrison also supported expanding civic education for women, recognizing their role in government even before they secured the right to vote in 1920. Decades later, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would eliminate many of the restrictions that had long suppressed Black and female voters, continuing the fight for equal representation. Today, the conversation around voting accessibility continues, with debates over mail-in ballots, absentee voting, and early voting. While improvements have been made since Benjamin Harrison’s presidency, challenges remain in ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to cast their vote. As policies evolve, it is essential to remember the leaders who fought for voting rights and to continue protecting and valuing our voices in the democratic process.