WHO GETS TO VOTE?
In the U.S., the right to vote is primarily governed by a combination of Constitutional amendments and state laws. The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments protect voting rights by prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, the use of poll taxes, and age for citizens 18 and older, respectively. States, however, retain the authority to set specific conditions and regulations.
This power is granted by the Constitution under Article I, Section 4, and the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. Additionally, the 14th Amendment allows states to disenfranchise individuals for “participation in rebellion, or other crime,” which has been interpreted to permit the restriction of voting rights for those convicted of felonies.
In Georgia, residents must be at least 18 by the next general election and meet residency requirements to vote. The state restricts voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies involving “moral turpitude” until they complete their sentence, including probation and parole, as allowed under the 14th Amendment.
Georgia also accommodates students and those without a traditional address—such as those experiencing homelessness—allowing them to register using campus addresses or designated locations, ensuring broader access to the ballot. These state-specific provisions work within the framework set by federal protections to define who is eligible to vote.