Button, "Abolish Poll Tax: 100% Democracy," circa 1950

Summary

By 1900, most southern states required citizens to pay a tax to vote. Poll taxes were one way to keep Blacks and many poor whites from voting. Though some states repealed their poll tax laws by 1950, five still clung to them. The passage of the 24th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution in 1964 and subsequent court rulings abolished the discriminatory practice.

By 1900, most southern states required citizens to pay a tax to vote. Poll taxes were one way to keep Blacks and many poor whites from voting. Though some states repealed their poll tax laws by 1950, five still clung to them. The passage of the 24th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution in 1964 and subsequent court rulings abolished the discriminatory practice.

Artifact

Button (Information artifact)

Date Made

circa 1950

Place of Creation

United States 

With Liberty & Justice For All
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

2004.94.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Paper (Fiber product)

Dimensions

Diameter: 0.875 in

Inscriptions

Obverse: ABOLISH POLL TAX / 100% DEMOCRACY

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