National Voting Day

An enthusiastic group of diverse individuals, dressed in their best political attire, engaging in a lively discussion and proudly displaying their 'I Voted' stickers.. — National voting day illustration

Ladies and Gentlemen, shuffle those papers, clear your throats and put on your best democratic smile. What's that in your calendar...? Aha! It's National Voting Day! On this day, keyboard warriors and diligent citizens alike swarm the Internet to lay down their digital stamps of approval. With a whopping 3778 mentions online, everyone seems to have their democracy dial turned up to 11, especially on this day last year. Raise those pencils, folks. We're about to tick some boxes.

When is Voting Day?

It's national voting day on the 6th January.

History

Once upon a time, in the Captain America-esque realm of civic duty and democratic privilege, National Voting Day emerged. Over time, we’ve seen this day blossom across the Internet like a blooming political flower. The day grew in popularity, reminding folks far and wide of the privilege and duty to cast their ballot, creating remarkable waves on January 6th, 2021.

Action

With a sense of unity and the smell of democracy in the air, this day encourages people not to just leaf through their newsfeed, but to tick, click, and decide on issues that matter to them. The beauty of the system is exemplified by its sheer diversity; from debating the best chocolate cookie recipe to the next leader of the free world, it’s all up for grabs.

Spread the Word

So, how do the citizens of the Internet call their fellow netizens to action? With memes, hashtags, lively debates in the comments section, and the occasional comical gif, the cyber web is an agora, aglow with the essence of democracy. Encourage your friends to get involved, raise your digital signs high, and make your voice heard on this day of online action.

History behind the term 'Voting'

1788

The Birth of Voting

Voting, as we know it today, originated with the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. The Founding Fathers recognized the importance of allowing citizens to choose their leaders and included provisions for voting in this historic document. In 1788, the Constitution was ratified, paving the way for the first elections and ushering in a new era of democracy.

1870

Expanding Voting Rights

In the year 1870, the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. This amendment specifically prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It was a significant step towards ensuring equal voting rights for African Americans and marked an important milestone in the civil rights movement.

1913

The 17th Amendment

The 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted in 1913. Prior to this amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures. The 17th Amendment introduced the direct election of Senators by the people, giving voters a greater voice in choosing their representatives in the upper chamber of Congress.

1920

Women's Suffrage

One of the most pivotal moments in the history of voting occurred in 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment granted women the right to vote, symbolizing a major victory for the women's suffrage movement. Women's suffrage was a hard-fought battle that took decades of activism and dedication to achieve.

1965

Voting Rights Act

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to overcome legal barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. It eliminated discriminatory voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, and provided federal oversight to ensure fair voting practices. The Voting Rights Act played a crucial role in promoting voter participation and protecting voting rights for all citizens.

1971

Expansion of Voting Age

In 1971, the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. This amendment was a direct response to societal changes during the Vietnam War era, where young Americans argued that if they were old enough to fight and be drafted, they should have the right to vote. The expansion of the voting age was a significant step towards inclusiveness and recognizing the voice of the younger generation in shaping the future of the country.

Did you know?

Did you know that the day that received the most online mentions for National Voting Day was not during any election, but January 6, 2021? Now that’s what we call breaking the Internet!