explain the rules of voting rights
Answers
Who Can Vote?
As per the Indian Constitution, all Indian citizens above the age of 18 years who have registered themselves as voters are eligible to vote. These individuals can vote in national, state, district as well as local government body elections.
No individual can be detained or prevented from voting, unless they fulfil the criteria for disqualification.
Every voter is allowed one vote only. A voter can vote at the constituency where he has registered himself only.
Eligible voters have to register themselves in the constituency where they live, upon which they will be issued photo election identity cards (also known as EPIC cards). Individuals are not permitted to participate in the electoral process if they have not registered or do not possess a voter ID card.
Constitutional Amendments ;
The 15th Amendment to the Constitution gave African American men the right to vote in 1870. But many weren't able to exercise this right. Some states used literacy tests and other barriers to make it harder to vote.
The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1920, gave American women the right to vote.
The 24th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1964, eliminated poll taxes. The tax had been used in some states to keep African Americans from voting in federal elections.
The 26th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1971, lowered the voting age for all elections to 18.
Federal Voting Rights Laws
Federal laws passed over the years help protect Americans’ right to vote and make it easier for citizens to exercise that right:
The Civil Rights Acts created some of the earliest federal protections against discrimination in voting. These protections were first outlined by the Civil Rights Act of 1870 and were later amended by the Civil Rights Acts of
1957
1960
1964
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited voter discrimination based on race, color, or membership in a language minority group. It also required certain places to provide election materials in languages besides English.
The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 required polling places to be accessible to people with disabilities.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) of 1986 allowed members of the U.S. armed forces and overseas U.S. voters to register and vote by mail.
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 created new ways to register to vote. It also called for states to keep more accurate voter registration lists.
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 authorized federal funds for elections. It also created the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The EAC helps states comply with HAVA to adopt minimum standards on voter education, registration, and ballots.
The Military and Overseas Voting Empowerment (MOVE) Act of 2009 improved access to voting by military and overseas voters.
State Voter ID Laws
Two-thirds of states require you to show some form of identification before you’re allowed to vote. Learn more about states' voter ID requirements.
Voter Accessibility Laws
Several federal laws protect the rights of Americans with disabilities to vote. These include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
Voters with disabilities have the right to:
Vote in private, without help
Have an accessible polling place with voting machines for voters with disabilities
Polling places must have:
Wheelchair-accessible voting booths
Entrances and doorways at least 32 inches wide
Handrails on all stairs
Voting equipment for people who are blind or visually impaired
If you have a disability, you may:
Seek help from poll workers trained to use the accessible voting machine, or
Bring someone to help you vote.
You can also ask local election officials what other options you have.
Some states offer “curbside voting," when a poll worker brings everything you need to vote to your car.
Some set up polling places at long-term care facilities.
Local organizations may provide transportation to the polls.
Many states let people with disabilities vote by mail.
Language Accessibility
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) helps people overcome language barriers to voting.
The downloadable Voter’s Guide to Federal Elections is available in 11 languages. It has tips on everything from registering to vote to voting on Election Day.
The National Mail Voter Registration Form is available in 10 languages. You can use it in most states to register and to update your voter registration information.
Federal law also lets you bring someone to help you if you can't read or write.
Get Help and Learn More
See the EAC's resources for voters with a disability.
Call the EAC at 1-866-747-1471 or contact the EAC online.
Contact your state or local election office.
Federal Campaign Finance Laws
The Federal Election Campaign Act requires candidates for federal office to disclose the source and amount of money they raise and spend. This includes individuals running for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, as well as those running for president.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) administers the act and other federal campaign finance laws. It enforces campaign contribution limits for individuals and groups, tracks campaign finance data, and oversees public funding used in presidential elections.